Josh Smith Injury: Atlanta Hawks Would Be in Serious Trouble Without Stud PF

Breathe a sigh of relief, Atlanta Hawks fans—you likely won't be without power forward Josh Smith for too long.

The latest comes from Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"

#Hawks F Josh Smith has patellar tendonitis. Inflammation in area but no structural damage. Doubtful GM 3, probable GM 4 vs. BOS

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) May 2, 2012"

The Hawks blew a huge opportunity in Game 2, failing to beat a Celtics team without suspended star Rajon Rondo. Instead of taking an ironclad two-games-to-none lead in the series, the team lost a lot of momentum.

Had they been looking at a lengthy injury to Smith, the series might have slipped out of their fingers as well.

Smith can be a frustrating and inconsistent player—he sort of marches to the beat of his own drum on the court at times—but it's hard to argue with his production. He averaged 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in the regular season, and his 22-point, 18-rebound performance in Game 1 was clutch.

Beating the Celtics with Smith available is a tall task for the Hawks. This has the makings of a long series, with the talent of the Hawks butting up against the grit and experience of the Celtics.

Trying to win without him would be almost insurmountable. Though we might have said that about Rajon Rondo for the Celtics, so who knows?

If the Hawks get him back for Game 4 and can manage a 2-2 split, they'll be back where they started from. That's certainly better than the alternative without him.

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