According to Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith appears to be right on track in regards to his expected return time from injury:
“I hear Smith should be back by April and able to play at least a few games before the playoffs open. The Cavs are pleased with his progress following thumb surgery, but don’t want to rush him. He’s important because he’s a strong, athletic presence on defense — along with having amazing 3-point range.”
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard fractured his thumb on Dec. 20 and was originally given a 12-to-14 week timetable. The Cavs end their regular season on April 12 against the Toronto Raptors and will play a total of seven games in April.
In his 21 games played this season, Smith had been averaging 8.6 points on 33.7 percent shooting from the field — well below his career averages.
A possible reason for his slow start could have been that he missed most of training camp as he was working out a three-year, $47 million guaranteed contract.
