Well, if it's on Reddit, it must be true!
That comparison is apples and oranges. A first round series featuring a mediocre-at-best team that barely made the Playoffs taking on a team that won 73 games is not the same as the Western Conference Finals. Curry was also injured rather than suspended - so his absence is based on a medical circumstance, rather than a disciplinary action - and on top of that, he's a more significant and popular player to fans than Green is. I'd suggest that that first round series didn't have much appeal beyond the possibility that Curry would go off and really torch the Rockets with some historically significant performances; once his injury took that out of the equation, any interest that was there rapidly diminished. Conversely, if Green serves a suspension in Game 4, there's still plenty of intrigue in the series, and a marquee match-up in the form of Durant and Westbrook vs. Curry and Thompson.
Even if the ratings were to dip, especially for just a single game, I'm not sure that the NBA actually loses any money out of that. I'm assuming they don't have to refund the companies who purchased advertising time, just because the ratings aren't at a certain level, unless there's some absurd conditional clause in their agreement. Even if some companies were to pull out after a low-rated game - and that seems unlikely - others would step in and take their place.
But speaking of ratings: consider that there's also the possibility that electing not to suspend Green will negatively affects ratings, by way of people who are unhappy with the decision subsequently boycotting the game (and perhaps a significant chunk of the rest of the Playoffs, too) out of frustration and disillusionment. Not suspending Green is a decision that placates some fans, and in that respect, you could call it a smart move. It also infuriates others, while sending a bad message to fans and players alike, which is not so smart. In the past, players have missed key Playoff games because they've lost control and made bad decisions.
All things considered, I think the benefits of making consistent rulings and taking appropriate action in response to incidents such as this one outweigh any disappointment that a team is not at full strength. After all, there is a reason that the team isn't at full strength, and that's because a player crossed a line and has to face the music as a result. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time, as the saying goes.
), it was just the smart one on their part because they're going to benefit from it. 
if they lose, Toronto's my only hope at watching any more NBA this year!
