If the Jazz are punished for tanking, it will not be the first time the NBA has penalized them in an attempt to stymie certain practices.

The Utah Jazz face scrutiny over tanking tactics, compounded by a potential injury to star Lauri Markkanen. Following an NBA fine for deliberate player rest, Markkanen's MRI for ankle and hip issues raises concerns.

The NBA will be evaluating the MRI results for Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, but there is a catch with the recent news.

The Utah Jazz have shared a Lauri Markkanen update that the NBA league office was closely monitoring.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver now appears intent on verifying the Jazz’s latest injury report after Markkanen reportedly suffered a right ankle and hip issue in practice on Wednesday. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday, and Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that the league is sending independent doctors to evaluate the injury.

The Utah Jazz were fined for sitting stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. late in two recent games. Here's what the NBA and Jazz owner Ryan Smith had to say about the decision.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz are entangled in more than Western Conference positioning. They are tied together by a protected first-round pick that could materially impact both franchises’ draft strategy this June.