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[Saba Sports News] The Brooklyn Nets’ decision to rest key players during their game against the Milwaukee Bucks has resulted in a substantial fine. The NBA announced on Thursday that the Nets are being fined $100,000 for breaching the league’s player participation policy. An inquiry, which involved an independent physician’s assessment, concluded that four rotation players were rested in the Nets’ recent loss to the Bucks, despite being medically cleared to play.
Spencer Dinwiddie (rest), Dorian Finney-Smith (left knee soreness), Cam Johnson (right knee sprain/injury maintenance), and Nic Claxton (left ankle sprain/injury maintenance) were all sidelined for the Nets’ 144-122 defeat against Milwaukee.
The NBA introduced a new player participation policy in the offseason aimed at reducing “load management,” the practice of resting healthy players to avoid overexertion. This trend has led to diminished on-court quality and frustration among fans, especially those expecting to see star players.
While the policy includes certain exceptions for resting star players, the Nets’ actions did not align with these conditions. Currently, the Nets are positioned 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-20 record, having lost five consecutive games and 10 of their last 12.