LeBron to miss fourth straight for reeling Cavs

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James will sit out his fourth straight game Wednesday night because of a sprained left index finger, the most games he has missed because of an injury.

The Cavaliers are 0-3 without James and have lost four straight. They were embarrassed by New Jersey 100-79 Tuesday night and criticized by coach Mike Brown afterward for a lack of intensity.

James was hurt a week ago at Detroit when Nazr Mohammed slapped at the ball as James attempted to shoot. James, in his fifth season, sat out four times last season because of a variety of injuries but didn't miss consecutive games.

Shannon Brown scored a career-high 20 points starting in James' place Tuesday night.

James leads the NBA with 30.7 points per game. He's also averaging 7.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists.