LBJ wont play 1 game @ the BUCKS

LeBron James is getting a night off for the first time this season.

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown says he’s sitting his superstar, calling it “just a coach’s decision” to keep him out of Cleveland’s game against Milwaukee on Saturday night.

“He’s played a lot of minutes for us,” Brown said. “I just felt it would be good for him and for the team to hold him out.”

James had 40 points and 13 rebounds in a 99-92 victory over the Pistons on Friday night, but also turned his right ankle slightly. Brown said his decision had “nothing” to do with the injury and James could play if needed.

“He’s a competitive person, he wants to be out there,” Brown said. “Sometimes I listen to him, sometimes I won’t listen to him, but tonight is a great opportunity for him to get some rest.”

It’s certainly a welcome decision for the Bucks, who have been on a tear by winning 14 of their last 18 games. James, who typically has missed a game or two before the postseason begins, has averaged 30.1 points in 25 career games against Milwaukee and has had two of his 50-point games at the Bradley Center.

He’s also led the Cavs in scoring in their last 16 straight games and is leading the NBA, averaging 30 points a game this season.

“It’s disappointing on one hand because we wanted to go against them as full strength as we could, but on the other hand it’s a different kind of test now,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “We’ve become a competitive group. I sensed the guys were looking forward to going out there and going against him a little bit.”

James looked relaxed in the locker room, getting a massage while still in jeans and sunglasses. He did not speak before the game, and Jawad Williams(notes) was to start in his place.