The NBA has once again imposed a hefty fine on the Cleveland Cavaliers for missing All-Star guard Darius Garland during the nationally televised game against the Toronto Raptors on November 24.

This action violated the league's Player Participation Policy, and the Cavaliers were fined $250,000. This is the team's second violation this season.

The league stated that the investigation confirmed Garland's ability to play in the games against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 23 and the Raptors on November 24. However, the Cavaliers' decision to play Garland in the locally broadcast game on the 23rd, while causing him to miss the nationally broadcast game the following day, constituted a violation.

The Cavaliers cited left big toe injury and injury management as the reasons for Garland's absence, but this did not meet the policy requirements for a medical exemption. This is the second time the Cavaliers have been penalized this season.

The team was fined $100,000 by the league for resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley during their November 12 game against the Miami Heat. At the time, head coach Kenny Atkinson insisted the team had done nothing wrong, but the league clearly didn't buy their explanation.

The player availability policy, implemented starting with the 2023–2024 season, requires teams to ensure their star players are available for play in nationally televised games and the Mid-Season Invitational. Star players are those selected to the All-Star team or All-NBA team in the past three seasons, and Garland, who was an All-Star last season, meets the definition.

The penalty structure escalates with the number of violations, starting at $100,000 for the first violation, increasing to $250,000 for the second, and then increasing by $1 million for each subsequent violation. If the Cavaliers commit another foul, the fine could reach as high as $1.25 million.