LeBron to play against Pacers despite cold

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers superstar LeBron James will play Friday night against the Indiana Pacers despite battling a head cold.

James was sick and didn't attend the Cavs' morning shootaround. He was questionable until an hour before tip-off when the Cavs announced he will start.

Coach David Blatt said James has the typical "achy" symptoms.

James has missed 11 games this season with a variety of injuries. He sat out two weeks to rest a sore left knee and lower back. The four-time league MVP is averaging 25.8 points, 7.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds.

The Cavs were just 19-20 on Jan. 15, but have gone 25-6 since and currently have the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Indiana has beaten Cleveland twice this season, but James and All-Star guard Kyrie Irving didn't play in one of those matchups.

Cleveland has won 14 straight at home.