The NBA has initiated an investigation into the Thunder over a possible violation of the league’s participant participation coverage, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday evening.
The scrutiny arises from the Thunder’s March 7 recreation in opposition to the Path Blazers during which they rested all 5 starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Regardless of the absence of their whole beginning 5, the Thunder secured a 107-89 victory, with Aaron Wiggins main the trouble with 30 factors and Jaylin Williams recording his first profession triple-double (10 factors, 11 rebounds and 11 assists).
The NBA’s participant participation coverage, which has develop into a higher level of emphasis in recent times, seeks to make sure that groups don’t relaxation a number of star gamers throughout the identical recreation — particularly throughout nationally televised matchups.
The Thunder sat multiple star in opposition to the Twelfth-place Blazers.
The coverage additionally stresses a steadiness between resting gamers throughout house or away video games as a result of fan expertise.
This investigation is a part of a broader initiative by the league to watch and implement participation insurance policies.
Not too long ago, the league fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 for resting star ahead Lauri Markkanen for a number of video games.
Moreover, the NBA is reviewing the Philadelphia 76ers for the latest absences of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, ESPN reported.
