James may not play in Wednesday's game against the Pacers. (USATSI)
LeBron James will play in Wednesday's game against the Pacers. (USATSI)

Update: James told reporters before the game Wednesday night he will play, despite being limited by the ankle. 

Miami Heat star LeBron James is having one of the best seasons we've seen in a long time, but right now a stiff, sore ankle could keep him out of a showdown against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. James injured the ankle in the third quarter of Monday's victory over the Utah Jazz, when he turned his ankle during a transition opportunity.

He returned to the game and finished with an impressive line of 30 points (13-of-17 shooting), nine rebounds, and nine assists. However, he didn't practice on Tuesday and says his ankle is "very stiff, very sore." It's questionable whether or not he'll play when the Pacers roll into town for another measuring stick.

It's hard to imagine James sitting this one out if his ankle is good enough to play. The Pacers have been the biggest threat to the Heat over the last two seasons, including playoffs in both years, and Indiana looks the best it's been in over a decade with their current squad. At 20-4, the Pacers have the best record in the East and are two games ahead of the Heat. 

Teammate Chris Bosh isn't buying that James might sit this one out though.

The Pacers and Heat played a week ago with Indiana coming out on top 90-84.