NBA Stars Sidelined: 168 Players Miss Games in Single Night

A wave of injuries and illnesses hit the NBA on Friday. League data shows 168 players were unavailable to play as the regular season nears its end. The high number of absences comes just weeks before the playoffs begin. Many top players, or "stars," were listed as resting. Teams often rest healthy star players at this time of year to avoid injury before the postseason. This strategy, known as "load management," is controversial. Some fans are frustrated when stars do not play in games they have paid to see. The league has recently introduced new rules to limit resting healthy star players during national television broadcasts and in-season tournaments. Friday's games were not under those strict national TV rules. The total of 168 absent players highlights the physical demands of the long NBA season and the priority teams place on playoff readiness.