J.R. Smith had a great game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards, putting up 17 points with four rebounds and five three-pointers. Unfortunately, the 13-year NBA veteran will not be able to go against the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets, after turning his ankle on Friday night.
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Guard/forward Mike Dunleavy will start in Smith’s place.
.@TheRealJRSmith tweaked his R ankle in Friday's win in WAS, won't go today vs. CHA. Per Coach Lue, Mike Dunleavy will get the start.
— Joe Gabriele (@CavsJoeG) November 13, 2016
Dunleavy hasn’t found his rhythm with the Cavs in eight games, averaging just 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers in 16.1 minutes per game. However, a brief role in the starting lineup might be exactly what Dunleavy needs to get it going with his new team. Dunleavy is a career 44% shooter from the field and 37.6% three-point shooter. This season, he’s shot 34% from the field and 30% from downtown, which all figure to go up once he finds his stroke.
