LeBron James will play against Boston Celtics

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James will play against the Boston Celtics on Friday night, despite speculation that he would be rested.

According to a report by ESPN on Thursday, James had asked to be rested for back-to-back games against the Celtics ahead of the playoffs which start in just over a week.

However, he told reporters that he would feature against Boston, which will be a blow to Brad Stevens and his players who are still involved in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

"I was never taking off tonight," James said, according to Cleveland.com.

The Cavs are 2-9 without James in the lineup this season, but he will play against the Celtics despite the team already having secured the second seed in the East.