The Cleveland Cavaliers have encountered obstacles during the current season. Outcomes have deviated from initial projections, and maintaining player health has posed a considerable challenge. Furthermore, the team is now facing repercussions concerning player rest protocols.
The league has officially announced a $250,000 fine imposed on the Cavaliers for non-compliance with the Player Participation Policy. This penalty stems from the decision to rest Darius Garland during their November 24th game against the Toronto Raptors, which resulted in a loss.
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The core issue was not necessarily the fact that Garland was absent from both games of the back-to-back sequence, which could be seen as a prudent decision given his on-court mobility. Instead, the basis for the penalty was his absence from the nationally televised game, as indicated in the official statement.
The Cavaliers opted to have Garland participate in the November 23rd game against the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that was broadcast on a regional basis and via League Pass. However, the subsequent game against Toronto was aired nationally on Peacock. Speculation suggests that the team might have avoided the fine if Garland had been rested during the Clippers game instead.
This event marks the second occasion where the Cavaliers have faced repercussions related to resting players. Previously, they incurred a $100,000 fine due to the absence of both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley from a game against the Miami Heat the prior month.
The Cavaliers are reportedly considering resting Garland for at least one of their games during the upcoming back-to-back series this weekend. He is currently listed as inactive for Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. It is anticipated that he will be available for the team’s game against the Golden State Warriors the following night, which will be broadcast on NBA TV.
Throughout the current season, Garland has participated in eight games for the Cavaliers. He has posted averages of 13.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds, with shooting percentages of .347/.340/.885.
