Jazz received a $100,000 fine for excluding Lauri Markkanen from games

The NBA fined the Utah Jazz $100,000 on Wednesday for breaking its Player Participation Policy.

According to the league, Lauri Markkanen, a top player as defined by the policy, was involved in the infraction. According to the NBA, Utah did not make him available for a game against the Washington Wizards on March 5 and a few more games.

The Jazz moved Markkanen’s status from questionable to available to play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night following the fine’s announcement on Wednesday. His back problem was reported once more.

Markkanen would be playing for the first time since February 22.

In spite of the widespread belief that Markkanen is now healthy, he has been excluded from recent games. Utah’s 15–50 record and desire for a better draft position for the upcoming season may have contributed to the decision to hold him out. Prior to their matchup with Memphis on Wednesday, the Jazz had suffered six straight losses.

Markkanen, who is in his third season with Utah and his seventh overall, leads the Jazz in scoring with an average of 19.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 43 games. He was named an All-Star in 2022–2023.