J.R. Smith undergoes MRI on elbow, doubtful for Wednesday’s season opener

The Cavs will likely be without J.R. Smith when they open up the 2018-19 season tomorrow night against the Raptors.

According to the team, who updated his status at Tuesday’s practice, Smith underwent on MRI yesterday on his right elbow on Monday and did not participate in Tuesday’s practice. The MRI revealed no structural damage, but he has been diagnosed with elbow soreness. Smith is officially listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game in Toronto. He also missed Friday’s preseason finale against the Pistons due to the elbow.

This has not been an ideal preseason for Smith. He missed a game due to hip soreness and would appear to be on the outs of the Cavs’ rotation as the season start. It’s possible that his shooting and Lue’s trust of veterans gets him minutes on the floor, but he wasn’t listed in the initial rotation by Lue. And having injury to his shooting arm isn’t going to help.