LeBron opens Xmas presence

James can expect mixed reaction when Cavaliers invade Miami

LeBron James plays in Miami for the first time since leaving the Heat for Cleveland when the Cavaliers visit on Thursday as one of five NBA Christmas clashes being televised globally.

The schedule opens with Washington at New York, followed by Oklahoma City at defending champion San Antonio before the latest episode in James' city-switching saga plays out in Miami, where he led the Heat to the past four NBA Finals and brought the city two championships.