The NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $250,000 for violating its Player Participation Policy after star point guard Darius Garland was held out of the team’s matchup with the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 24.
Garland was sidelined during the clash with Toronto, a nationally-televised contest, after he was available to play in the Cavaliers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers one night earlier. The matchup with Los Angeles wasn’t nationally televised.
Cleveland has already received a $100,000 fine for violating the NBA’s Player Participation Policy this season, meaning that a third infraction would cost the organization $1 million.
The first violation occurred when the Cavaliers rested Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley against the Miami Heat, the first leg of a back-to-back, before playing them the following night.
In Sept. 2023, the NBA approved rest policies and punishments for star players who sit out games. Under the updated guidelines, teams aren’t permitted to rest more than one star player in the same game.
Teams are also required to ensure that star players are available for nationally-televised games and NBA Cup contests as part of the new policy, leading to the latest fine regarding Garland’s availability.
The Cavaliers were able to secure a 120-105 win over the Clippers with the two-time All-Star in their lineup, but suffered a 110-99 loss to the Raptors while he sat out the following night.
It’s understandable that Cleveland wants to be cautious with Garland, as he didn’t make his season debut until Nov. 5 after recovering from offseason toe surgery.
The 25-year-old is still searching for more offensive consistency to open his 2025-26 campaign, averaging 13.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 34.7/34.0/88.5 shooting splits in eight appearances.
The Cavaliers currently own the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 13-10 record.