OK, I don't know how you think this is a bug ...
Basically, starters usually play about 35-40 minutes. So right away, your proposed 25-23 or 26-22 split is right out of the window. Then, the reserve will play about 2 minutes - if you've happened to set your starter as reserve also, then you're looking at maybe 37-42 minutes for the starter, exactly what your player did have (42).
More stamina = more minutes for the starter, and higher difference between the skill of starter and backup = more minutes for the starter. If you want them to play close to a 24-24 split, play your worst player as the starter, and make sure he has low stamina. Then, the coach will sub in your better player more often. But of course, that's silly.
To get the best split, I usually put my better player as starter, then the lesser player as both backup and reserve. In close games, depending on those factors (stamina and difference in quality), the backup tends to get anywhere from 6-15 minutes (barring foul/injury), and the starter gets the majority. ONLY when you get a blowout win (win by 20+) will you see your starters subbed out in the 4th, and THEN you might get a minutes split more like 26-22.
Last edited by MP5 at 08/24/2014 08:51:46