Chicago had rested centre Robin Lopez and guard Justin Holiday in recent weeks, but, after a conversation with the league, agreed to play the two players more extensively.

The league discourages the practice of resting healthy players in an attempt to limit overt “tanking” by teams searching for a top pick in the NBA draft.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined $600,000 last month for comments he made on a podcast about losing being the best option for the team. The league reportedly sent word to all team owners clarifying its stance.

Chicago’s Lopez is averaging 12.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season, while Holiday is averaging 13.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

The team is currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, 12 games behind the Miami Heat, who occupy the eighth and final playoff berth.