J.R. Smith

Cavs will have J.R. Smith (thumb) available off the bench versus Pistons

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (thumb) will be available to play against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

What It Means:

Smith has been battling an illness as he recovers from thumb surgery. He has been out since late December but could make his return on Thursday. The prolonged absence will put him on a minutes restriction until the sharpshooter gets back into game shape. When he does come back in full, both Kyle Korver and Iman Shumpert will take lose some playing time to Smith.

Smith was averaging 8.6 points and 2.4 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes per game before the thumb injury.