NBA Probes Sixers, Thunder for Policy Breaches

The NBA has launched investigations into the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers for potential violations of the league's player participation policy (PPP), which aims to limit load management and ensure star players' availability for key games. The Thunder are under scrutiny after resting their entire starting lineup, including All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, during a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, the 76ers are being investigated for resting Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, with suspicions that the team may be intentionally losing games to secure a better draft position. The policy, updated for the 2023-24 season, stipulates that teams must provide valid reasons for resting star players, particularly for nationally televised and in-season tournament games. Previously, the Utah Jazz were fined $100,000 for similar violations involving Lauri Markkanen. Both teams risk fines if found guilty of breaching the policy.