THE NBA is investigating the Oklahoma City Thunder for allegedly violating policy.
The team could face a huge fine if they’re found to be at fault.
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The Thunder sat all five starters during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7.
That included MVP front runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed just his second game of the year.
Also absent were Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Cason Wallace also didn’t play in the game.
Oklahoma City still won the game 107-89 despite missing a bunch of key players.
But the NBA is investigating a potential violation of the player participation policy.
The Utah Jazz were previously fined $100,000 for resting forward Laura Markkanen.
Oklahoma City has a 12-game lead in the Western Conference standings and is assured of a playoff berth.
But the NBA has come down hard on unexcused absences and resting of players.
OKC’s starting five all played in Sunday’s win at one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
The Thunder beat the Milwaukee Bucks 121-105 to improve to 56-12 this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander had 31 points and eight rebounds in 34 minutes.
It was Oklahoma City’s tenth win in their last 11 games.
The team look sure to be the Western Conference No. 1 seed for the playoffs starting in April.
But ESPN star Shannon Sharpe still rates the Los Angeles Lakers as the best team in the West.
He said on First Take, “OKC, KFC, UFC, Lakers in five.
“When Luka (Doncic) playing like that, we got GOAT James, it don’t matter.”
“Bron James, Luka Doncic, Lakers in five.”
“He’s speaking like a fan now,” Tim Legler responded.
And Stephen A. Smith said, “You better get drug tested.
“Something wrong with you. Stop that nonsense. That’s ridiculous.”
