Giannis Antetokounmpo

Cavaliers SG J.R. Smith needs thumb surgery, could miss 4-6 weeks

Published Dec. 21, 2016 12:50 p.m. ET

Brett Pollakoff

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith has a thumb injury that will require surgery, according to the team. The usual timeframe for recovery from this procedure is 4-6 weeks, but the team hasn't yet put a timeline on it. The injury occurred in the first half of Cleveland's 114-108 overtime win over the Bucks on Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/811627394608013312

Smith, 31, is averaging 8.6 points in 28.9 minutes per game. He's missed five games with knee and ankle injuries this season, and his 33.7 percent shooting is the worst of his career.

The Cavaliers are currently 20-6, a game ahead of the Raptors for the best record in the East.

Get more from Giannis Antetokounmpo Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Cleveland Cavaliers

Golden State Warriors

Milwaukee Bucks

National Basketball Association