Spurs' Mitch Johnson has a huge end-of-season decision to make

With the Thunder likely to clinch the one-seed on Wednesday night, a major Mitch Johnson decision is looming. The Spurs leader will decide whether or not to rest his guys against the Denver Nuggets. While this choice seems inconsequential, it could have major implications in the playoffs.

In the current playoff standings, the Spurs would meet the Denver Nuggets in the second round if both teams win their first-round matchups. With that in mind, should Johnson show his hand to maintain momentum or hold his cards in the hopes that the squad will benefit from the rest?

To properly prepare for the playoffs, it would be in Mitch Johnson's best interest to go out there and give it all, even if it provides the Nuggets with a bit more intel. Without any indication otherwise, the Spurs are set to follow this path, and it will pay off in a big way.

The Spurs can gain additional information on the Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic, the offensive system for the Nuggets, is a difficult puzzle to solve. On his own, he can take over a series if not properly defended. The Spurs must learn everything they can about effectively holding the Joker down.

In a potential seven-game series, plenty of scheming will be done. What a head coach rolls out in game one could be entirely different from what they roll out in game two.

However, if Mitch Johnson wants to enter the series fully prepared with a game plan that is hopefully successful, this game could provide that relief.

San Antonio must keep the ball rolling before the playoffs

As the Nuggets fight for playoff seeding in the final week of the regular season, they will bring their best effort in game 82. This should be a benefit for San Antonio.

As it is in any sport, you want to enter the playoffs hot. The Spurs have been the hottest team in basketball for multiple months now. They can't afford to lose it in the final week. No matter what, they must close out strong and carry the heat into the playoffs.

The Spurs have grown accustomed to winning, and it would be a shame if they limped out of the regular season on the back of a string of losses. If they can close out the season on a high, beating the determined Denver Nuggets, they should have no reason to curl up in the playoffs.

There is a lot to gain from the last game of the regular season. I would highly advise Mitch Johnson to play everyone, even if it means they lose a day of rest. That rest will come during the Play-In Tournament. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making this a clear and easy decision.