SACRAMENTO, Calif. – LeBron James could return to action Tuesday in the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Phoenix Suns, provided he has a strong practice on Monday, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cavaliers coach David Blatt said he is hopeful James will practice Monday in Phoenix. Two other sources said James definitely will participate.

James has missed eight straight games with left knee and lower back strains, including Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Blatt didn't rule out the possibility of James playing Tuesday.

"Right now we're in a stage where he is shooting and he is moving," Blatt said. "He's running through sets. He still hasn't done live work. Monday we will see if we can do that with him."

James took part a 25-minute shooting and dribbling workout that grew in intensity prior to the Kings game. The intensity of James' participation in practice on Monday will be based on how he feels as it progresses, a team official said. The Cavaliers announced Jan. 1 that the 11-year NBA veteran was expected to be out two weeks.

Blatt didn't rule out James playing Tuesday and added that it was "very possible" he will play on the team's current road trip that also includes games at the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers this week.

"We entered this process with the expressed idea of getting him back 100 percent," Blatt said. "When he's ready, that's when he will play."

James has been eager to return in large part because of the Cavaliers' other injury woes, sources said. But he's also adhering to the team's medical protocol. James must have at least one solid practice before returning to play, one source said. The Cavaliers have added center Timofey Mosgov and guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith in trades since James left the lineup with his injuries.

James, 30, is averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season. The most consecutive games he previously missed in his career was five during the 2007-08 season because of a finger injury.