Ron Schwane/Associated Press
The Cleveland Cavaliers will have extra help off the bench on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons when J.R. Smith makes his return.
Cavaliers radio broadcaster John Michael and The Athletic's Jason Lloyd reported Smith's return.
This will mark Smith's first appearance in a game since Dec. 20 when he suffered a fractured right thumb in the Cavs' 114-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Smith had surgery to repair the damage to his thumb and was expected to be out for at least 12 to 14 weeks.