NBA Investigates Thunder and 76ers for Player Participation Policy Violations

The league is reviewing the Thunder's decision to rest all five starters in a March 7 game and the 76ers' recent player absences.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are under investigation for sitting all five starters in their March 7 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, raising questions about compliance with the NBA's player participation policy.
The Thunder listed injuries for four starters and rested MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite not playing on a back-to-back schedule that day.
The Philadelphia 76ers are also being investigated for the recent absences of Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, with the team already fined earlier this season for a similar violation.
The NBA's player participation policy aims to prevent teams from resting multiple star players, especially in games that are nationally televised or impact fan experience.
The investigation follows a $100,000 fine issued to the Utah Jazz earlier this week for resting Lauri Markkanen, as the league increases scrutiny on teams' adherence to the policy.