The Dallas Mavericks are currently facing an investigation by the NBA after leaving out key players in their recent game against the Chicago Bulls, despite being in contention for the playoffs.
This decision has led to accusations of “tanking” – intentionally playing a weakened team in order to lose and improve their chances in the upcoming draft.
Among the players omitted from the Mavericks’ lineup was Kyrie Irving, while Luka Doncic only played for 12 minutes in their 115-112 defeat on Friday.
Although this loss ended their playoff hopes, it improved their chances of securing a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft, which has raised suspicions of intentional tanking.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed on Saturday that the league has initiated an investigation into the Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct in the Chicago Bulls game, including the motivation behind these actions.
The Mavericks cited injuries to Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Maxi Kleber, as well as the need to rest Josh Green and Christian Wood, as reasons for the omissions.
However, all five players, including Doncic, had participated in Wednesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings.
Coach Jason Kidd stated before the game that the decision to rest players was made by owner Mark Cuban and general manager Nico Harrison.
After the game, Kidd acknowledged that the decision may be seen as a step back, but expressed hope that it would ultimately contribute to the team’s progress in building a championship-calibre team.
In other NBA games, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 151-131 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, securing at least a ninth-place finish in the Western Conference.
The Utah Jazz, who are out of playoff contention, defeated the Denver Nuggets 118-114, with the Nuggets having already clinched the number one playoff seed in the Western Conference.
Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 136-125, moving into fifth place in the Western Conference with the same record as the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors.
The battle to avoid the play-in tournament for the seventh to tenth-placed teams will come down to the final day of the regular season on Sunday, with all NBA teams in action.
