Cleveland Cavaliers have been given a hefty fine for a rule breach
Darius Garland was rested when Cleveland Cavaliers faced Toronto Raptors last monthopen image in gallery
Darius Garland was rested when Cleveland Cavaliers faced Toronto Raptors last month (AP)
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been handed a substantial $250,000 fine by the NBA for breaching the league's player participation policy.
The penalty was issued after the team rested All-Star guard Darius Garland during a nationally televised fixture against the Toronto Raptors on 24 November.
This marks the second occasion this season the Cavaliers have been penalised for such a violation.
They previously incurred a $100,000 fine on 18 November for resting both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley during a game against the Miami Heat on 12 November.
Cleveland Cavaliers have been fined for resting Darius Garlandopen image in gallery
Cleveland Cavaliers have been fined for resting Darius Garland (AP)
A league investigation confirmed that Garland was deemed fit to play in one of the team's back-to-back games.
While he featured against the LA Clippers on 23 November, he was absent from the following night's game in Toronto, which was broadcast nationally in both the US and Canada.
Garland is classified as a 'star player' under the policy. The Raptors ultimately secured a 110-99 victory, extending their winning streak to eight games.
Cleveland also played that match without De’Andre Hunter, who was rested, and Jarrett Allen, sidelined with a sprained finger.
Since playing the Raptors without Garland last month, the Cavaliers have been involved in four matches, including an NBA Cup fixture.
They have struggled in recent weeks, losing three of their last four games.
Cleveland have been beaten by the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtic and the Portland Trail Blazers, but they did manage to pick up a victory against the Indiana Pacers.
The team, who currently have a 13-10 record in the NBA this season, will return to action on Friday night when they host the San Antonio Spurs, and they will be at home again on Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors
They will then have a break of almost a week before traveling to face the Washington Wizards.