National Basketball Association

LeBron rests again as Cavaliers await playoffs

Published Apr. 11, 2010 5:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

LeBron James missed his third straight game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are putting rest ahead of their record as the NBA playoffs near.

Coach Mike Brown decided to sit James and starting forward Anthony Parker for the team's regular-season home finale Sunday against the Orlando Magic. Brown also might keep James out of the lineup Wednesday night when the Cavs close their regular season at Atlanta.

``We've talked about it as a staff and there's a chance that could happen,'' Brown said.

Brown said center Shaquille O'Neal has not yet received medical clearance to play. O'Neal has been out since tearing a thumb ligament Feb. 25 and undergoing surgery. The team is hoping he might return before the playoffs, but time is running out.

``He still has not been cleared, which I'm sort of hoping is soon,'' Brown said. ``He says he's going to be, but he's not the doctor so we have to wait.''

Starters Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison were expected to play against the Magic after sitting one game.

Cleveland has the league's best record at 61-19, but Brown is more concerned about getting James past a few bumps and bruises and getting his team to improve its defense before the postseason.

``We have not been good,'' Brown said. ``Guys have been getting to the paint and scoring on us at will and shooting jump shoots at will.''

Brown wants his team to regain its defensive intensity for the first round, when the Cavs will play Toronto or Chicago.

``Hopefully we can get to the point where it gets better in these last two games so we have a sense of where we need to be going into the playoffs,'' Brown said.