Chicago Bulls reportedly warned by NBA about seemingly tanking

The NBA has made it clear that they do not like the notion of teams tanking, and they apparently warned the Chicago Bulls about the practice.

According to The Vertical’s Shams Charania, the NBA warned the Bulls this week about resting healthy players.

Sources: The NBA issued a warning to the Chicago Bulls this week on resting healthy players, and the team now plans to play veteran starters Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday again more extensively to close the season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 6, 2018

Robin Lopez, who is averaging 12.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, has not played since Feb. 14 despite being healthy. The team has lost five of the six games in which he sat. Justin Holiday, who is averaging 13 points per game, has only played once since the All-Star break.

Lopez tried to make light of the situation when asked about tanking, but it’s clear the NBA takes it seriously. The 21-42 Bulls are angling for a top pick in the lottery.