LeBron James sits out with sore knee Thursday vs. Thunder

NBA fans and TNT network executives alike are out of luck Thursday, as LeBron James won't play against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

James had been listed as a game-time decision after receiving treatment for a sore left knee Thursday morning. Head coach David Blatt said there's no specific injury at play, but that James is dealing with general soreness.

James hadn't missed a game this season, and the timing of the knee issue comes as the Cleveland Cavaliers are climbing the Eastern Conference ladder, having won eight straight going into Thursday. He's already being called questionable for Friday's game against New Orleans.

It'll be interesting to see how the Cavs respond without their superstar, as they've played just 21.3 percent of their minutes without him this season. In those minutes, the team's been outscored by 3.9 points per-100 possessions, a full 11.7 points per-100 possessions worse than when he's on the floor.

James is averaging 24.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists through 20 games, helping lead what has become as deadly an offense as everyone expected over the past few weeks.