Cavaliers G Smith to miss at least two games
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith underwent an MRI on Tuesday that confirmed a right knee contusion and also revealed quadriceps tendinitis in his right leg, according to the team.
Smith will miss the Cavs’ next two games Wednesday against the New York Knicks and Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is considered doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
“Relieved that it’s not as serious as it could have been,” Cavs coach David Blatt said after practice Tuesday. “I’m just anxious for him to rest and rehabilitate and be back as soon as possible.”
Blatt, whose custom is to hold his starting lineups close to the vest, would not tell reporters Smith’s replacement.
“You know the roster,” Blatt said. “We got a lot of guys that have got to fill in. We’ve certainly been in that situation before and we’re in that situation again. So, everybody has got to step up.”
Smith exited the first quarter of Cleveland’s 107-100 road win over Philadelphia on Monday and did not return.
Blatt said the injury occurred when Smith “locked legs” with Sixers forward Nerlens Noel. Smith spent the game in the locker room, where he was visited by a Philadelphia team physician.
Smith, who was hampered by a sore left hamstring during training camp, is averaging 4.8 points on 27.6 percent shooting, along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists through the Cavs’ 3-1 start to the season.
Cleveland is now down two shooting guards with Smith and Iman Shumpert (right wrist surgery) out. The injuries should open up more playing time for guards Matthew Dellavedova and Jared Cunningham.
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