The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten in trouble with the NBA.
Cleveland is approaching this season with a championship-or-bust mentality. After getting the one-seed last year, they believe they can win it all this year. In order to do that, the Cavs must have all of their best players available for the playoffs.
In a game against the Miami Heat on November 12, the Cavs did not have their best guys. They decided to sit both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley for that contest. It has been determined that the Cavs were in violation of the league’s Player Participation Policy.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 and De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 13, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
NBA Fines Cleveland Cavaliers For Violation
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Cavaliers have been fined $100,000 for violating that policy by having both Mitchell and Mobley not play. Both were listed out due to rest instead of a designated injury that either player had been dealing with.
This policy was created to keep teams from sitting star players when there is no actual injury that requires them to miss the game. The NBA has been trying to curtail the notion that the regular season doesn’t matter since star players don’t care to play in those games.
So far this season, Mitchell has missed two games, including that contest against the Heat. Mobley has missed that game, and he has not been on the injury report. The NBA deemed this to be a violation and decided to punish Cleveland.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around guard Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 118-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Continue to Do What’s Best For Postseason Success
A fine of such a small value in the grand scheme of the NBA will do little to deter teams from doing this. If the NBA really wants to fix this issue, they have to dole out larger punishments. Cleveland is only worried about games that happen in March and April.
After being bounced in the second round of the playoffs last year, with both Mobley and Darius Garland hurt, the Cavs will do whatever it takes to keep guys healthy for the playoff run. Sitting guys in November might be the best way to get some guys rest.
Right now, the Cavaliers sit second in the Eastern Conference standings. Only the Pistons, who have won 10 straight games, sit ahead of them. They own the ninth-best net rating in the league. That number will only get better once Darius Garland is fully healthy.
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