LeBron James has a sore and swollen nose but is not expected to miss any time after a cut to the face in the Miami Heat's impressive 103-81 win at Oklahoma City Thursday night.
James was hurt on a fourth quarter drive when he was hit by Thunder's forward Serge Ibaka. The four-time league MVP left the court bloodied and with his face draped in a towel, but is expected to be back in uniform when the defending champs host the Bulls on Sunday.
After waiting for the initial swelling to go down, team officials conformed to ESPN that James would be available on Sunday and had not suffered a broken nose.
Against the Thunder, James was his old, usual self, netting 33 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. The Heat have now won five in a row, with James averaging 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The winning streak has moved the Heat within just 11.5 games of the Eastern Conference leading Indiana Pacers with 17 of their next 29 games at home. Sunday's game against the Bulls marks the start of a four-game home stand.
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