NBA Commissioner David Stern is investigating Dallas...

NBA Commissioner David Stern is investigating Dallas Coach Dick Motta’s charges that the Houston Rockets tried to manipulate their playoff position by benching their best players.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Stern will decide today whether to take disciplinary action if he decides the integrity of the league has been shaken by Motta’s accusations or by Fitch, if the charges are deemed true.

Motta said the Rockets were deliberately trying to get out of the same playoff bracket as the Lakers. If the Rockets finish fourth or fifth in the Western Conference, they would have to meet the Lakers as early as the second round. If they finish sixth or seventh, they would not have to play the Lakers until the conference finals, assuming they are able to win the first two rounds.

Sunday, a taped interview with Fitch was played at halftime of the Philadelphia-Boston game on CBS. Fitch called Motta’s charges irresponsible.