Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith out 12-14 weeks after thumb surgery

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is expected to miss 12-14 weeks after undergoing surgery Friday morning to repair a complex fracture of his right thumb, the team announced in a news release on Friday. 

Smith injured his thumb in Cleveland’s overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The injury happened in the second quarter, and Smith did not return in the second half.

The loss and timetable for his return are not insignificant. Smith may not be back until late March, early April. The Cavs don’t have an open roster spot now to replace him and have just 12 active players on the roster with Chris Andersen and Mo Williams also out.

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Smith averaged 8.6 points and shot 36.2% from three (he had a slump in which he made 3-of-24 threes) in 21 games this season. He has also transformed into a capable defender.

The Cavaliers, who are over the luxury tax, will be active now until the trade deadline trying to find a backup point guard or perimeter player who can create offense and a perimeter defender. Cleveland has a $9.6 million trade exception to use, too.

In the meantime, guards DeAndre Liggins, Jordan McRae and rookie Kay Felder will get more opportunities with Smith sidelined.

Follow Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt