Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

NBA Launches Investigation Against Thunder and Sixers for Potential Violation of Player Participation Policy

The NBA has launched an investigation against the Thunder and the 76ers for potential violation of its Player Participation Policy.

Image Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The NBA has reportedly launched an investigation against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers for potential violation of its Player Participation Policy. Notably, the league recently charged the Utah Jazz with a hefty $100,000 fine after the side failed to make All-Star Lauri Markkanen available for the game against the Wizards on March 5.

It seems that the league is not going to take things lightly anymore. Following imposing a fine on the Jazz, the league has reportedly decided to open an investigation against the Thunder as well as the 76ers for sitting key players out. Notably, the Thunder have already secured their playoffs berth, while Sixers are all but out of Playoffs contention.

However, the SGA-starring side is in trouble for keeping key players out during the 107-89 win over the Trail Blazers. In the game, the Thunder were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Isaiah Hartenstein. While Gilgeous-Alexander was rested, the others were listed as out due to injury.

ESPN’s Shams Charania shared, “The NBA is investigating the Oklahoma City Thunder for potentially violating league’s player participation policy, sources tell ESPN. Game under review is OKC’s March 7 win over Portland in which Thunder starting 5 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Dort, Hartenstein) sat.”

The NBA is investigating the Oklahoma City Thunder for potentially violating league's player participation policy, sources tell ESPN. Game under review is OKC’s March 7 win over Portland in which Thunder starting 5 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Dort, Hartenstein) sat.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 15, 2025

Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins elite NBA company with 40-point game in Thunder’s win

NBA To Open Investigation Against Philadelphia 76ers for Sidelining Key Players

Apart from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA has also launched an investigation against the Philadelphia 76ers for keeping their key players sidelined. Notably, the 76ers are without their star Joel Embiid for the remainder of the season with his constant knee injury struggles.

Meanwhile, Paul George has also been out since the Wolves game due to the groin issue. In addition to it, Tyrese Maxey has missed six straight games with a lower back sprain and finger sprain.

There have been reports that this development has put the 76ers on the NBA’s radar, and the league will launch an investigation to see if they are violating the Player Participation Policy.

Also Read: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Thunder Record, Becomes Fastest to 10,000 Points

Shams appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and said, “I’m told the Philadelphia 76ers are another team the NBA has started an investigation on and looked into. Just based on, Tyrese Maxey has missed time, Paul George has missed time… They’ve looked into Philadelphia a little bit.”

“They’re also in a position, they’ve got a top-six protected pick that could go to Oklahoma City if they don’t keep it. This is something the NBA is definitely keeping an eye on,” he added.

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder

Philadelphia 76ers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.