Cavaliers star LeBron James will sit out Tuesday's preseason game at Quicken Loans Arena against the Milwaukee Bucks, coach David Blatt said from the team's shootaround.
James is skipping the game solely to rest. The decision to sit out was expected, and made jointly by James and Blatt.
"Just part of our process and part of our management of how we want to approach preseason and best get him ready for the start of the (regular) season," Blatt said.
The Cavs (2-0 in the preseason) play back-to-back games Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as another one Friday. James and Blatt both indicated Monday that James would miss one of the three games this week for the purpose of general maintenance.
James will play Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers at Xavier University in Cincinnati. He is also expected to play Friday vs. the Dallas Mavericks at The Q.
Meanwhile, Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the next two games with a tender ankle. Irving injured his foot in practice last week. Blatt said the Cavs are merely being extra cautious.
"We're not going to rush it," Blatt said, adding that Irving could potentially play Friday.
Cavs forward Tristan Thompson could also miss Tuesday's game with a sore shoulder. Thompson is considered a game-time decision.
The Bucks (1-2 in the preseason) are coached by former NBA star point guard Jason Kidd, who coached the Brooklyn Nets last season -- his first following retirement as a player. Also, Bucks forward and No. 2 overall draft pick Jabari Parker is making his debut at The Q.
Tip-off is 7 p.m. and the game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio.
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