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LeBron James will miss his second straight preseason game on Friday when the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs updated James’ status at their shootaround Friday morning. James missed Wednesday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but is fully back in practice after hurting his ankle last week in practice. In all likelihood, the Cavs are simply getting James some extra rest.
It’s not really a big deal if James plays in the preseason or not. While the Cavs would surely like to get him live reps with the team’s new players and with the team’s new starting lineup, there are still three preseason games left for James to play in. He could return as early as Sunday when Cleveland faces the Washington Wizards.
With James out, Dwyane Wade is likely to again start in his place alongside Derrick Rose, J.R. Smith, Jae Crowder and Kevin Levin Love. Cavs-Pacers tips off at 7:30 p.m.