The Cleveland Cavaliers fear starting guard J.R. Smith broke his right thumb during Tuesday night’s overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks, according to reports.
Smith left the game late in the second quarter of the 114-108 win in Milwaukee with a thumb injury, and initial X-rays taken at the arena were inconclusive, according to the Cavs.
ESPN.com and Cleveland.com reported the team fears the thumb is broken.
Smith traveled back to Cleveland with the team and was being re-evaluated Wednesday before the Cavaliers host the Bucks on the second night of a back-to-back.
Smith, 31, signed a four-year, $57 million extension in the offseason after the Cavs’ championship win. He is averaging 8.6 points in 21 games this season — missing five contests because of knee and ankle injuries — and shooting 36.2 percent from 3-point range.
Smith’s thumb injury likely occurred when he swiped at the ball as Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo went to the basket.