LeBron James’ aching back is on the mend and the Cleveland superstar says he will play in the Cavaliers’ season-opening contest against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
James missed nearly two weeks of practice after receiving an anti-inflammatory injection in his lower back. He has practiced the past two days and will be on the floor to extend his streak of playing in the season opener to 13 straight seasons.
James said he was never worried about missing the contest despite speculation that he might need to sit out. Now he is just concerned about playing basketball.
“We’re not going to put too much on the first game of the season,” James told reporters. “We’ve put in a lot of work over the last few weeks, and you can only try to get healthy, work your habits, work your rhythm and our last few practices have been very good.”
Chicago point guard Derrick Rose will also be in his club’s lineup after missing most of the preseason due to a broken left orbital bone.
Rose played in Chicago’s final exhibition on Friday and coach Fred Hoiberg said the Bulls will be careful with Rose’s playing time in the early part of the season.
Rose has been wearing a protective mask and is still dealing with some blurred vision and swelling beneath his left eye.