NBA Fines Jazz and Pacers for Tanking Efforts

League cracks down on teams resting top players to improve draft lottery odds

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NBA has fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for recent lineup decisions that were seen as blatant attempts to tank and improve their draft lottery odds for the 2026 NBA Draft. The league cited instances where the Jazz sat their two best players, Jaren Jackson and Lauri Markkanen, for the entire fourth quarter of close games, as well as the Pacers sitting healthy players like Pascal Siakam against the Jazz.

Why it matters

The NBA is trying to crack down on the growing trend of teams intentionally losing games late in the season to improve their draft position, which the league sees as undermining the integrity of competition. However, the fines may not be enough to deter teams from employing these tactics, as landing a potential franchise-changing player in the draft is seen as worth the financial penalty.

The details

The Jazz were fined $500,000 for their actions on Feb. 7 against the Orlando Magic and on Feb. 9 against the Miami Heat, where they sat Jaren Jackson and Lauri Markkanen for the entire fourth quarter despite the outcomes still being in doubt. The Pacers were fined $100,000 for not playing Pascal Siakam and two other healthy players against the Jazz. This type of 'tanking' behavior has become increasingly common across professional sports leagues as teams try to position themselves for the best possible draft lottery odds.

  • On February 7, the Jazz sat Jaren Jackson and Lauri Markkanen for the entire fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic.
  • On February 9, the Jazz again sat Jaren Jackson and Lauri Markkanen for the entire fourth quarter against the Miami Heat.

The players

Jaren Jackson

One of the Utah Jazz's best players.

Lauri Markkanen

One of the Utah Jazz's best players.

Pascal Siakam

A healthy player for the Indiana Pacers who was held out of a game against the Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.