NBA Probes Potential Violations by 76ers and James Harden

The NBA is investigating whether the Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden violated the league's new player participation policy for their opening night game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Harden had been away from the team for 10 days due to a personal matter, and the Sixers decided to keep him in Philadelphia to work on his game shape with the team's coaches and medical staff. The league's policy allows for exceptions for injury, personal reasons, and "rare and unusual circumstances." It is believed that Harden's absence may be related to his desire for a trade to the LA Clippers, although the Clippers have recently stepped away from trade talks.