National Basketball Association

LeBron James likely out against Nuggets

Published Jan. 13, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

LeBron James is doubtful for the Miami Heat's game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night with a sprained left ankle.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said before tipoff that James is getting treatment on the ankle, but he more than likely won't play again until Saturday in Chicago.

James hurt his ankle on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter of a 111-105 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. His momentum carried him out of bounds, but he hobbled back onto the court while the Heat still had the ball and sank a 3-pointer from the left corner.

James ended up finishing the game, scoring 27 points, and an X-ray afterward revealed no damage.

If James can't play, Spoelstra said James Jones will start in his place.