Miami forward LeBron James did not play in the first half Thursday night against Denver and is doubtful to play in the second half.
James, who sprained his left ankle Wednesday against the Clippers, was the only active player on the Heat roster who did not play in the first half against the Nuggets. Denver had a 60-43 lead at halftime.
Forward James Jones started in place of James and scored three points in the half. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had 12 points each in the first half to lead Miami.
James was hurt Wednesday on a drive to the basket midway through the fourth quarter of the Heat’s 111-105 loss to Los Angeles. The league’s MVP finished the game and had an X-ray afterward, saying there was no damage.
“The doctor told me it’s day-to-day so I’ll see how I feel tomorrow,” James said after the Clippers game. “I don’t have to be a hero in the regular season if I’m not close to 100 percent.”
On the play, James’ momentum carried him out of bounds past the baseline, but he hobbled back onto the court wincing while the Heat still had the ball and sank a 3-pointer from the left corner.
