Injury-hit LeBron James is likely to miss the season opener against the Boston Celtics, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have been prepared to do it without the superstar, the team's new recruit Dwyane Wade said on Tuesday.

"Everyone around expects him to play because that's what he does," said Wade, who just joined his longtime friend James on the Cavaliers this summer.

"But at the same time the decision's on him. He's going to make the right decision for what he feels is best for the long haul season.

"We've been preparing like he's going to be in there, we also have to be ready if he's not. That's how we have to be," he said of the blockbuster clash to be slated on Tuesday night.

The 32-year-old James, who injured his ankle in practice on Sept. 27, missed most of preseason and he said in his twitter account Monday that hopefully he could be "ready to get it going".

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue confirmed on Monday that if James doesn't start, J.R. Smith will take his place.

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