NBA Fines Jazz $500K, Pacers $100K for Violating Rest Policies

League cracks down on teams prioritizing draft position over winning

Feb. 13, 2026 at 12:55am

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The NBA has fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for sitting two of their best players, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., in the fourth quarter of two recent close games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. The league deemed this "conduct detrimental to the league" as it prioritized draft position over winning. The Indiana Pacers were also fined $100,000 for violating the league's Player Participation Policy by sitting All-Star Pascal Siakam in a game against the Jazz.

Why it matters

The NBA is cracking down on teams that appear to be tanking or prioritizing draft position over competitive integrity. This fine sends a strong message that the league will not tolerate overt behavior that undermines the foundation of NBA competition.

The details

The Jazz substituted Markkanen and Jackson, who were both healthy, for good before the fourth quarter of close games against the Magic and Heat. They lost the game against Orlando after leading by seven points entering the final frame, but defeated Miami. The league deemed this "conduct detrimental to the league" in issuing the $500,000 fine. The Pacers were also fined $100,000 for sitting Siakam in a game against the Jazz, violating the league's Player Participation Policy.

  • On February 7, the Jazz sat Markkanen and Jackson in the fourth quarter of a close game against the Magic.
  • On February 9, the Jazz sat Markkanen and Jackson in the fourth quarter of a close game against the Heat.
  • On February 3, the Pacers sat Siakam in a game against the Jazz.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

A starting forward for the Utah Jazz.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A starting forward for the Utah Jazz, recently acquired by the team.

Pascal Siakam

An All-Star forward for the Indiana Pacers.

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What they’re saying

“Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

What’s next

The NBA has indicated it will continue to closely monitor teams' behavior and take further action if necessary to uphold the integrity of the league.

The takeaway

This fine highlights the NBA's commitment to maintaining competitive balance and preventing teams from blatantly prioritizing draft position over winning. It serves as a warning to all teams that the league will not tolerate actions that undermine the foundation of NBA competition.