Cavaliers forward LeBron James out against Thunder

In tonight's marquee matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cavs star LeBron James has been ruled out due to left knee soreness. Per Cavs head coach David Blatt:

Cavs coach David Blatt announces that LeBron James will NOT play tonight against Thunder here in OKC

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 11, 2014

Blatt says Cavs do NOT believe LeBron knee issue to be serious but decide to hold him out because "we're being cautious" as an organization

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 11, 2014

This puts a dent in the "Durant versus LeBron" headlines around the web and at WTLC, but it's a fine trade-off for the Thunder. James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game this season, having played in all of the Cavaliers' games so far. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported earlier today that James had missed shootaround this morning heading up to being a game-time decision for tonight.

Guard Matthew Dellavedova will replace James in the starting lineup. Dellavedova is making his first start this season, with averages of 3.2 points and 3.0 assists in five games this season.