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NBA investigating Thunder over possible player participation violation

​The NBA has initiated an investigation into the Thunder over a potential violation of the league’s player participation policy, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday night.

The scrutiny arises from the Thunder’s March 7 game against the Trail Blazers in which they rested all five starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Despite the absence of their entire starting five, the Thunder secured a 107-89 victory, with Aaron Wiggins leading the effort with 30 points and Jaylin Williams recording his first career triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists).


Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one of five Thunder absences on March 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was one of five Thunder absences in their win over the Trail Blazers on March 7. NBAE via Getty Images

The NBA’s player participation policy, which has become a greater point of emphasis in recent years, seeks to ensure that teams do not rest multiple star players during the same game — especially during nationally televised matchups.

The Thunder sat more than one star against the 12th-place Blazers.

The policy also stresses a balance between resting players during home or away games due to fan experience.

This investigation is part of a broader initiative by the league to monitor and enforce participation policies.

Recently, the league fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 for resting star forward Lauri Markkanen for multiple games.


Aaron Wiggins drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Paycom Center on March 7, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron Wiggins drives to the basket during the third quarter of the Thunder’s home win over the Trail Blazers on March 7, 2025. Getty Images

Additionally, the NBA is reviewing the Philadelphia 76ers for the recent absences of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, ESPN reported.

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