Thunder Under NBA Investigation for Injury Absences vs. Spurs

Oklahoma City sat 10 players, including 3 All-Stars, for nationally televised game.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The NBA is investigating the Oklahoma City Thunder for sitting out 10 players, including three All-Stars, for their nationally televised matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on February 4. The league has rules requiring teams to ensure star players are available for high-profile games.

Why it matters

The Thunder's decision to sit so many key players, including recent All-Stars, for a nationally televised game raises questions about the integrity of the competition and whether the team was trying to gain an advantage by resting its stars.

The details

The players listed as out for Oklahoma City that night included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and several others. The Thunder still managed to field eight players and lost 116-108, with three players scoring 20 or more points. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams fit the league's definition of 'star players' who must be available for nationally televised games.

  • The Thunder-Spurs game was played on February 4, 2026.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell, Sorber and Topić are listed as out for Monday's game versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander will be sidelined until at least the All-Star break with his abdominal injury, last playing on February 3 versus the Orlando Magic.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An NBA All-Star and All-NBA first team selection in the past three seasons.

Chet Holmgren

Named to his first NBA All-Star team this season.

Jalen Williams

An NBA All-Star and All-NBA third team selection in the past three seasons.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.