Cleveland’s LeBron James a ‘game-time decision’ for Tuesday’s game vs. Phoenix Suns
Jan 12, 2015, 10:30 PM | Updated: 10:39 pm
The Phoenix Suns return home to US Airways Center Tuesday to start a season-long homestand against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And it’s at least possible they’ll have to face the Cavs with four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.
James has missed the last eight games with knee and back injuries, but said Monday he could be back to take on the Suns.
“I’m a game-time decision,” James said following practice at Grand Canyon University. “But as of right now, hopefully my body reacts really well (Tuesday). I’m going to get some treatment. I just got some and I’ll get more later on as well as tomorrow.
“We’ll see what happens.”
The Cavaliers, no doubt, would love to have James back as soon as possible. They’ve lost five straight and nine of their last 11 games to fall into sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
In 1,088 minutes with James on the court this season, the Cavs have outscored their opponents by 111 points. In 741 minutes with him on the bench, they’ve been a minus-116.
“We’ve struggled,” James said. “I hate seeing us not play to our ability with me sitting out. For me, I benefited. I allowed my body to rest.”
James has averaged 29 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 21 career games versus the Suns. In Miami’s six-point win over Phoenix at US Airways Center last season, James went off for 37 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Tuesday’s game marks the beginning of a crucial eight-game homestand for the 22-18 Suns. Six of the eight games come against teams with winning records, including three matchups with the top seven in the Western Conference.
Arizona Sports’ Bryan Gibberman contributed to this report
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