The issue has always been, San Antonio is coming to Phoenix for their only visit of the year. Poppovic decides the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli are staying home to rest. Fans bought tickets when they went on sale at the beginning of the year so they could see these guys in person. Unless injured, if it's a teams only visit to that town that year, the stars MUST travel. Even injured, most times they can come sign autographs pregame, or something.
I have always been of the opinion, that back in the early days of the NBA, the stars traveled, and if they needed rest you play them five minutes and they sit the rest of the game. That way fans get to see them. Can you imagine when the NBA first started, if George Mikan didn't come play in your town? You wanted to go to the game just to see how big he was. That was the draw!