JR Smith Suffers Hamstring Injury During Game 2 of Pacers vs. Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers and missed the entire second half. 

After the Cavs' 117-111 win, Smith was hopeful he will play in Game 3 on Thursday, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "If they let me play, I'll play. My leg ain't broke."

Smith missed nearly three months after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured thumb on his right (shooting) hand in December, but he returned to the floor March 9 following the extended absence.

He finished the 2016-17 season averaging 8.6 points per game, his lowest since his second year in the league. His 34.6 percent shooting from the field was also disappointing.

After leaving early in the second game against the Pacers, Smith now has just nine total points in two playoff games this year. Still, his shooting ability and playoff experience remain valuable for Cleveland in the postseason.

If there's a sliver of good news for the Cavs, it's that they're accustomed to playing without Smith following his midseason stint on the shelf. 

For now, expect Iman Shumpert and Kyle Korver to eat up the bulk of the minutes at shooting guard if Smith misses time. Deron Williams could also see some time at the 2 if head coach Tyronn Lue wants to roll with a backcourt featuring multiple on-ball playmakers beside LeBron James.