The NBA is investigating the OKC Thunder's player absences due to injury during their nationally televised game against the San Antonio Spurs. This comes as a result of multiple key players being ruled out, including MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who will be sidelined until after the All-Star break with an abdominal injury. The Thunder's roster was left with just eight players available for the game, sparking an investigation by the league. The NBA's new load management policy, introduced before the 2023-2024 season, mandates that teams rest no more than one star player per game and balance the number of one-game 'rest' absences between home and away games. The policy also prohibits long-term 'shutdowns' and requires any healthy players resting for a game to be visible to fans. The investigation is unlikely to result in discipline, given the nature of the injuries and the length of time several players have already missed. However, the NBA has the authority to conduct investigations and order independent medical reviews, with fines ranging from $100,000 for the first violation to $1 million for subsequent violations. The Thunder's previous load management practices have faced scrutiny, with the team being investigated last year for sitting all five starters against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite the absence of starters, OKC won the game, and no fine was assessed.
