The defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers have come to The Hoosier State for Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers. With a 2-0 lead in the series, the Cavs will be looking to keep their momentum rolling tonight inside a hostile Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Cavaliers marksman J.R. Smith suffered a left hamstring injury in the first half of Monday’s 117-111 win over the Pacers. After an examination from team physicians, it was determined that “Swish,” as Smith is affectionately known, would not return to play. Smith’s MRI results came back clean, but his status for Game 3 was unclear — until now.
During his pregame media availabilty, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue announced that Smith would start at the shooting guard position for tonight’s game.
Smith, who sat the entire second half of Game 2, has averaged 4.5 points and 1.5 rebounds on 42.9% shooting in the series.
