INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- J.R. Smith will not face any disciplinary action from the NBA for his role in an argument with several Heat players at the conclusion of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 120-92 loss to Miami on Saturday, a league source told ESPN.
Furthermore, there will not be any fine levied by the team against Smith, a Cavs source told ESPN. Smith engaged in a shouting match with Miami guards Rodney McGruder and Dion Waiters after Smith took umbrage with a late dunk by McGruder over Channing Frye that McGruder punctuated by pushing Frye in the back.
Smith, who has missed the Cavs' last 34 games after having surgery on the thumb on his right (shooting) hand, will have his hand evaluated Monday, multiple sources told ESPN.
Even if he is cleared for a full return, he will not suit up Monday in the Cavs' rematch with Miami, sources said. However, barring any setback found in the evaluation, Smith's return is imminent. He told ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth that he tried to play last week against the Atlanta Hawks, to no avail. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue put Smith's timeline to return at 10-14 days when he was asked about it before the Hawks game.
Smith, who signed a four-year, $57 million extension with Cleveland in the offseason, is averaging 8.6 points on 33.7 percent shooting, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 21 games played this season.