The NBA has fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $250,000 for violating the league's Player Participation Policy by resting Darius Garland during a nationally televised game against the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 24. Garland, who was able to play, had participated in the previous day's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This marks the second such violation for Cleveland this season.
The league announced the fine on Thursday, confirming that an investigation found Garland capable of playing in one of Cleveland's back-to-back games on Nov. 23 and 24. He suited up for the Nov. 23 home matchup against the Clippers, where the Cavaliers secured a 120-105 victory. However, they chose to rest him for the following night's nationally televised contest against the Raptors in Toronto, which aired on Peacock in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada.
The Raptors capitalized on Garland's absence, extending their winning streak to eight games with a 110-99 win. Cleveland was also without De’Andre Hunter, who was rested, and Jarrett Allen, sidelined by a sprained finger.
This is the second time this season the Cavaliers have been penalized under the Player Participation Policy, which aims to ensure star players are available for high-profile games. Earlier, on Nov. 18, they received a $100,000 fine for resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley during a Nov. 12 game against the Miami Heat, resulting in a 130-116 win for Miami.
Garland, a 25-year-old All-Star guard recovering from an offseason toe procedure, has been managed carefully by Cleveland to build his strength, particularly on back-to-back sets. The policy violation highlights the NBA's ongoing efforts to curb load management practices that affect fan experiences in marquee matchups.
