An MRI on J.R. Smith's left knee on Tuesday showed no structural damage, and the Cleveland Cavaliers said the guard will be day-to-day with what was diagnosed as a knee contusion.

Smith, who will miss Wednesday night's game against the host New York Knicks, bruised the knee during the Cavs' victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

"Great news, great news," Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said of Smith's status before shootaround Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. "I talked to him [Tuesday] night. He feels normal, that's a good sign and the MRI being negative. ... The way he reacted and the way he fell, I thought he was going to be out for a long time."

Smith, who had been battling soreness in the knee for several weeks, returned to Cleveland to have the knee examined instead of going to New York with the Cavaliers.

Smith had surgery on the knee in 2013, when he was a member of the Knicks.

Although Smith is day-to-day, Lue hinted that he could hold him out of the lineup for an extended period of time for recovery, if necessary.

"Whatever he needs to get his leg right," Lue said. "That's the important thing, looking at the long haul, down the stretch."

Lue added that DeAndre Liggins will start in Smith's place. It will be Liggins' second start, in the 69th game of his career.

"Just like the energy he brings," Lue said. "I think high energy from a guy, it's contagious. Guys tend to play harder, seeing him flying around the floor, picking up full court. That's the juice and spunk we need."

Smith, 31, signed a four-year, $57 million deal in October to remain with the defending NBA champions. He has struggled this season, averaging 7.8 points and shooting just 31 percent.

Information from ESPN's Dave McMenamin was used in this report.