Josh Smith doubtful for the Atlanta Hawks with knee injury – NBA Update
The Atlanta Hawks are currently level with the Boston Celtics in their Eastern Conference first round matchup with one game apiece. However the Hawks chances for game 3 took a hit when it was confirmed that star forward Josh Smith is doubtful for the next
match in the series, at TD Garden.
The Hawks forward has strained tendon in his left knee, forcing him to perhaps sit out the game, while he could also miss the series if the injury doesn’t subsidize soon.
Atlanta head coach Larry Drew confirmed that the player was day to day and his condition is a big blow to the Hawks, and the injury could be a serious one judging by Smith’s reaction.
"I'm very concerned about it," coach Larry Drew. "I know Josh is a guy, that if he's just hurting, he's going to play. He has that kind of toughness. But if it's a situation where he can't play, then he won't be out there."
Howard is probably the most effective offensive player on the Atlanta roster and he was a backed to get on the All-Star game, although that didn’t happen. Still, he is undoubtedly one of the better forwards in the Eastern Conference a big loss for the Hawks.
His absence could be even more devastating for the team in light of the fact that Atlanta is already without centre Al Horford while Zaza Pachulia has also suffered a setback. The situation leaves the Hawks worryingly short of options in the front court,
where they have to face the likes of veteran Kevin Garnett on the Boston roster.
"He's just been so good for us," Drew said. "He's certainly a key component in order for us to have success. Obviously, we already have both centres out, and now we're looking at our starting power forward possibly being injured. These type of situations
have been happening to us all year. We've been kind of snake-bit, but we're just hoping for the best."
The team is hoping that Smith makes it back as soon as possible, because game-3 of the series against Boston could prove pivotal. With the series tied at 1 – 1 and the next 3 games scheduled in Boston, the Hawks need all the help they can get.
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