Josh Smith Injury: Atlanta Hawks' Season Hangs on Star's Health

The NBA playoffs are certainly not want of intriguing turn of events. Suspensions and injuries abound, with the latest tremendous hit coming to the Atlanta Hawks in the form of a Josh Smith injury that may end his season prematurely. 

Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Josh Smith's injured knee makes him doubtful for Game 3 in Boston.

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"...Smith has patellar tendonitis with inflammation in the injured area but an MRI revealed no structural damage. If Smith misses Game 3 he likely would return for Game 4 Sunday in Boston, according to the person [with knowledge]."

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It's hard to imagine now, but the Hawks were the presumptive favorites to take the series against the Boston Celtics. 

There is just no way to see that now, especially if Smith is out for a significant amount of time. He is that pivotal to the team on both ends of the court. 

With a favorable diagnosis, it seems the Hawks will be getting their star back at some point soon, and that is just as good for fans as it is for the Hawks. 

Smith continues to be far too underrated for his paint presence, and the loss late in the game is a big reason the Celtics took Game 2 despite missing Rajon Rondo. 

The Hawks' forward went out when the game was within reach, but a sprained left knee sealed a topsy-turvy game for Atlanta, according to head coach Larry Drew, via ESPN.  

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"He is one of our go-to guys down the stretch. We were missing all of the things he brings to the table for us, especially down low."

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Smith's 16 points and 12 boards were crucial, but still not enough to stave off a hungry Celtics team, nor Paul Pierce, who dropped 36 points. 

Game 3 is going to be an immense task for the Hawks if Smith does indeed sit out. The offense regularly runs through his stable and consistent hands. 

On defense, Smith can be counted on to change shots and hit the boards. With the Celtics getting some home cooking, the Hawks will call upon even deeper production from the dynamic backcourt duo of Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague. 

Still, there has to be another player to step up in the frontcourt. Even then, losing Smith for any amount of time past Game 3 will be disastrous. 

That is why I am confident that Smith will do everything in his power to get back to the court as soon as possible. 

Follow @gabezal.