Cavaliers' LeBron James: Will play Thursday despite Monday's neck injury

James took an elbow to the neck during Monday's 103-74 loss to the Spurs, but he fully expects to play Thursday against the Bulls, Melissa Rohlin of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Analysis:

The Cavaliers suffered an ugly loss to drop to the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, but had the game been more competitive, it's likely James would have played more than the 30 minutes he received Monday. Even with the slightly limited workload, James still managed to compile 17 points (7-17 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-6 FT), eight rebounds and eight assists. Barring something unforeseen, the veteran will likely be on track to play closer to 35 minutes Thursday.