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(SB Nation, Mike Prada) Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Joe Johnson will miss the next two games with an injured left knee, the team announced on Tuesday. Johnson initially suffered the injury in the Hawks' loss to the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and he is undergoing an MRI to determine if the injury is even more serious. He would miss the team's games against the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic.
It also appears that Johnson will not play in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game over the weekend, according to Zach Klein of the Wall-Street Journal.
If Johnson cannot play, that opens the door for teammate Josh Smith to be named to the roster. The league could also name Kyrie Irving or Jeremy Lin to replace Johnson if they pass over Smith. Johnson would also need to be replaced in the Shooting Stars and Three-Point Shootout competitions.
(Peachtree Hoops edit:)
Our guess is that Joe will play over the weekend. It's Joe's chance to be seen as among the best. But if he doesn't, I wouldn't wager on Josh getting his spot, especially since the bloom is off the rose of the Hawks season as they are now battling the lower end of the playoff seeds rather than fighting for home court at this time, leaving the league less likely to feel the need to represent the team.
Though Josh being named as a replacement for Joe's slot in the Three-Point Shootout would be a must-see event for All-Star Weekend.