Love to sit, Irving, Wade playing for Cavs-Heat showdown

Get ready for LeBron James vs. Dwyane Wade.

Kyrie Irving, a game-time decision, will play, but Kevin Love (who's dealing with a back injury) will sit out for the Cleveland Cavaliers as James and company get set to take on his former team, the Miami Heat. 

Wade was considered questionable and missed shootaround due to an illness, but he will play.

The Heat are a potential playoff opponent that James would welcome, and despite Love's absence, Thursday's game will serve as an interesting preview.

Irving missed shootaround due to an illness, so it seems something may be going around. The point guard has appeared in 70 of the team's 75 games, averaging 21.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals.

Love, meanwhile, attended shootaround but didn't participate fully due to a sore back. He's dealt with back issues on and off throughout the season and it's possible the Cavs are being cautious with so little on the line. Tristan Thompson could start in his place. Thompson is averaging 16.5 points, 10 rebounds and 2.3 assists while hitting 36.2 percent of his threes.

The game is hugely important for the Heat, who have a half-game hold on one of the East's final two playoff spots. Wade has been key for the Heat and he's been on fire of late, averaging 24.5 points and 4.3 assists in March while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor and 36 percent from long range.

Luol Deng will return for the Heat after a one-game absence.