Cavaliers' J.R. Smith to have surgery on injured thumb, out indefinitely

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith needs surgery to repair a fractured right thumb he suffered during Tuesday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced Wednesday. 

He will be out indefinitely, though an official treatment and return to play timeline will be established after the surgery.

The injury appeared to take place late in the first half when Smith attempted to swipe the ball away from Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as he drove to the basket.

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After the game, the Cavs announced that X-rays taken at the arena were inconclusive and that Smith would undergo further tests when the team returned to Cleveland. 

Smith, 31, is a key member of the championship-winning starting unit, averaging 8.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in his third season with the team. 

DeAndre Liggins and Iman Shumpert will likely see an uptick in minutes in Smith's absence.

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