NBA Players Rest Ahead of Final Games as Teams Prepare for Playoffs
SGA, Jokic among at least 168 out NBA-wide Fri.
Espn
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In a night marked by rest, both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets sat out, contributing to a total of 168 players unavailable across the NBA due to injuries or illnesses. With the regular season concluding, teams are prioritizing health ahead of the playoffs.
- 01Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic were among 168 players resting due to injuries or illnesses.
- 02Boston Celtics tied the record for most 3-pointers in a game with 29 shots made.
- 03Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs scored 40 points in just 26 minutes to secure award eligibility.
- 04Golden State Warriors are preparing for the play-in tournament with key players starting together for the first time this season.
- 05Several playoff positions were clinched, with Boston securing the No. 2 seed in the East.
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168 players were sidelined on Friday night, including stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), as teams opted to rest their key players ahead of the playoffs. The Thunder have already secured the No. 1 seed, allowing them to prioritize player health. The Nuggets, still vying for playoff positioning, are likely to play Jokic in their final game to maintain his eligibility for MVP and All-NBA awards. In a notable performance, San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points, reaching the necessary 65-game threshold for postseason eligibility. The Boston Celtics also made headlines by tying the NBA record with 29 three-pointers in a single game. As the regular season wraps up, teams are solidifying their playoff positions, with Boston clinching the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
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This prioritization of player health may affect team strategies and performances in the upcoming playoffs.
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