In the 2016-17 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were among the teams that drew flak for resting players in a few regular season games. There were times in the Cavs' previous campaign when LeBron James and his fellow stars sat out or did not join the team on the road.
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers and James, the NBA recently came up with a new rule which limits the rest a player could get. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com explained it in his report. A team will receive a $100,000 fine if a "healthy player" rests in "any high profile, nationally televised game." It also prohibits "multiple healthy players" from missing a game at the same time.
When it comes to road games, as long as a player is capable of seeing action, he should do so. If a player sits out, he needs to be "visible and available to interact with fans."
James is known to take some rest in the regular season, especially near the playoffs. However, with the NBA's new rule, this may change. The Cavaliers have 39 nationally televised games in their 2017-18 season schedule.
James hurts ankle
The Cavaliers were without James in Thursday's practice. James "turned" his left ankle Wednesday, ESPN reported. The 32-year-old did not suffer any major injuries but is day-to-day. It is uncertain when he can return to the court or if he will be participating in the team's upcoming preseason run.
Cleveland's preseason begins on October 4 with a game versus the Atlanta Hawks.
Aside from James, Dwyane Wade was absent too due to a "personal matter." Wade signed a one-year deal with the Cavaliers that will earn him $2.3 million. The 35-year-old is coming off a stint with the Chicago Bulls.
Challenging start
Cleveland remains the favorite to win the Eastern Conference, though the start of its year is a difficult one.
In the preseason, the Cavaliers will face the likes of the Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and the Washington Wizards, all these squads are expected to contend in the new season.
The Cavaliers' first two games in the regular season are tough tests as well. In their season opener, they are taking on one of their fiercest rivals, the Boston Celtics.
It will be a rematch of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals, but this time around, Kyrie Irving is with the Celtics. Fans are anticipating this matchup since the trade that saw both teams swap All-Star point guards. Following this, Cleveland is going up against the young Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
