After tests on his thumb came up “inconclusive” in Milwaukee, Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith had a follow-up examination in Cleveland. The results were not good.
J.R. Smith will miss at least 3 months with thumb injury
Smith fractured his thumb against the Milwaukee Bucks and is expected to miss 12-14 weeks.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Smith broke his thumb late in the second quarter of the Cavaliers’ 114-108 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. His surgery was successful, the team announced on Friday, and Smith will miss 12-14 weeks recovering.
Via the Cavs’ press release:
Cavalier guard J.R. Smith’s surgery to repair a complex fracture of his right thumb was completed on Friday morning at the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center in Montrose, Ohio. ... Smith will now undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation for his thumb and his return to play timeline is currently projected at 12-14 weeks. His status will be updated as appropriate.
Smith missed six games this season due to ankle and knee injuries, and reserve guard DeAndre Liggins saw extended play time in his absence.
After turning himself into a two-way wing during Cleveland’s championship run last season, Smith signed a four-year deal worth $57 million to return to the Cavaliers this summer. He is averaging 8.6 points on 36 percent three-point shooting.
Other guards on the roster include Liggins, Iman Shumpert, Kay Felder and Jordan McRae.
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