East more than a two-team race, says James

The Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat are flying high but reigning MVP LeBron James says the Eastern Conference is far from a two-horse race. Indiana (40-12) lead the East and are well on track to go deep in the play-offs once again after reaching the third round last season. While defending champions Miami (37-14), who eliminated the Pacers en route to the title, are second in the East having won eight of their past 10 games. The Toronto Raptors (28-24) and Chicago Bulls (27-25) are third and fourth respectively but still well adrift of the East's top two. However, speaking ahead of Sunday's All-Stars match in New Orleans, James is refusing to accept the Eastern Conference is a foregone conclusion. "This is more than a two-team race," James told reporters on Friday. "There are a lot of good teams in the Eastern Conference. "It's been a slow start for us as a whole, but there are so many good teams you can't just count on us and one other team. I respect every team we go against." James reserved special praise for the Raptors, who have gone 21-12 since Rudy Gay, Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy were traded to Sacramento in exchange for John Salmons, Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes in December. "Toronto has been playing some good basketball as of late, especially after the trade," he said. "They brought in some really, really key components coming off the bench and they have a good team." Meanwhile, Miami team-mate Dwyane Wade says he will take to the court in Sunday's All-Star clash despite doubts surrounding his fitness. Wade has missed 15 games for the Heat this season with a nerve condition the latest injury disrupting his campaign. But the Heat guard will be in the starting line-up this weekend after notifying East coach Frank Vogel that he is fit to play. "I'll play," Wade said. "I'm going to play. "We had a small conversation. We're going to have more as the weekend goes on. "I'm going to get out there and have a little fun and then, if I have to, sit down."