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The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a difficult season, and it seems things may

The Philadelphia 76ers are in the midst of a difficult season, and it seems things may get even worse. NBA insider Shams Charania recently revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that the NBA has opened an investigation into the team due to a series of notable absences. “I’m told the Philadelphia 76ers are another team the NBA has started an investigation on and looked into,” Charania said, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show (6:13 mark). “Just based on, you’ve had Tyrese Maxey miss time, we know Paul George has missed time.”

The rise of load management has sparked controversy, as teams sit out star players for the sake of injury prevention. The league has cracked down on this practice, investigating injuries and fining teams found violating the policy. “I think with Philadelphia, it looks a little bit more legitimate, maybe,” Shams added. “Because you think about Tyrese Maxey, he’s been banged up all year. And Paul George, the five games before the All-Star break in February, I’m told Paul George was playing with pain-killing injections.”

Recently, the Utah Jazz were fined $100,000 for shutting down Lauri Markkanen for the remainder of the season, signaling the league’s serious stance against teams not playing their star players, even when there’s little left to compete for.

As for the 76ers, their season is essentially over. With a dismal 22-43 record, they sit 13th in the standings, five games behind the final play-in spot. The team’s hopes were high after acquiring Paul George last summer, but the 76ers have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Faced with a bleak future, it seems the 76ers have opted to rest their key players rather than risk any further injuries that could impact their chances next year.

It started with Joel Embiid, who has only played 19 games this season due to ongoing issues with his left knee. Despite averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 44% shooting, the 76ers made the decision to shut him down. Meanwhile, Paul George has also been sidelined by groin and knee injuries and is expected to be out until next October. The team is likely to attempt to trade him in the offseason.

Tyrese Maxey, the youngest of the star trio, is also dealing with injuries. Tonight marks his fourth consecutive missed game due to a lower back sprain and finger sprain, though doubts remain over whether his absence is purely injury-related. For a team with little left to play for this season, it seems the 76ers have made the decision to rest their top players, keeping their focus on the long-term future despite the penalties they may face. After all, for the 76ers, avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on their stars may be worth any fine they incur.