Report: LeBron James will play Sunday despite ailing back

LeBron James will play in Sunday's preseason opener vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv despite an ailing back, according to Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group.

LeBron James will play in Sunday's preseason opener vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv despite an ailing back, according to Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group. 

New head coach David Blatt, who came to the NBA after coaching Maccabi Tel Aviv, rested James earlier this week but "The King" participated in practice on Friday and Saturday. Blatt said he may rest James for entire games this season. The two-time NBA champion turns 30 in December. 

The Cavaliers tip off their regular season on Oct. 30 with a game at home vs. Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. It will be the regular season debut of James with fellow All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. 

• Heat's Dwyane Wade: 'Last year wasn't fun'

#Cavs F LeBron James returned to yesterday's second session of practice and participated today. He'll play Sun night vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 5, 2014

- Marc Weinreich