According to a statement released by the NBA, the league has fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for “management of their rosters.” The fines come amid growing scrutiny over teams allegedly losing games on purpose to improve draft positions.
The Jazz were specifically penalized for benching stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. during crucial fourth-quarter moments in recent games against the Magic and Heat. The league ruled that these players were physically able to play but were held out to influence the game’s outcome.
League officials warned that “tanking” undermines the integrity of the competition. The Pacers’ fine was related to similar roster management issues that the league deemed “detrimental” to the NBA’s brand during the lead-up to the All-Star break.
This move shows Commissioner Adam Silver is getting tougher on the “race to the bottom” for draft picks. It might discourage teams from resting stars, potentially improving the quality of late-season games but frustrating front offices looking for long-term rebuilds.
* ABS-CBN News (Website): “The NBA took aim at ‘tanking’ on Thursday, fining the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers.”
* ESPN (Sports Desk): “League statement confirms fines for conduct detrimental to the league regarding player availability.”
Source: OrlandoSentinel — https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/02/12/tankers-beware-jazz-fined-500000-pacers-100000-by-nba-for-player-participation-policy-breach/ February 13, 2026
Photo Credit: NBA
