clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Josh Smith Reportedly Won't Play In Game 3

By SB Nation NBA News
Apr 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) signals for a jump ball but is instead given a penalty during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE
Apr 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) signals for a jump ball but is instead given a penalty during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

(SB Nation, Mike Prada) Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith tried hard, but it appears he will not be healthy enough in time to play in Game 3 of the team's first-round 2012 NBA Playoffs series against the Boston Celtics on Friday. Smith suffered a strained patella ligament in the Hawks' Game 2 loss on Tuesday and will not be in the lineup, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Atlanta's Josh Smith will not play in Game 3 against Boston tonight, league source tells Y! "Knee is just too sore," source says. Will try for Game 4 on Sunday.

Smith is probably the Hawks' best player, so this is a big loss as they try to rebound from a stunning loss in Game 2. He suffered the injury early in the fourth quarter guarding Boston's Kevin Garnett. Smith tried to play through the pain, but exited for good with four and a half minutes remaining.

For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston.

More From Peachtree Hoops