HAWKS REPORT

> SMITH ON THE WAY BACK: The surest sign that Josh Smith is officially on his way back to the Hawks’ active roster is his addition to the team’s travel list for this weekend’s doubleheader in Toronto [Friday] and Washington [Saturday].

Smith hasn’t been on the road since suffering a high left ankle sprain in the first quarter of a Nov. 7 home win over the Raptors.

The forward sat out Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Philips Arena but is scheduled to practice Thanksgiving morning and then travel to Toronto in the afternoon.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said there is a possibility Smith could play against the Wizards but a more likely return is next Wednesday’s home game against Memphis.

“He’s definitely on his way back,” Woodson said. “We’ll work him some on this trip and work him some just to see where he is. But I’d rather see him practice in a big setting with everybody on the floor going up and down vs. just these little bitty one-hour practices to try and get him ready to get back going.

“I’m not saying he’s going to play this weekend. But we’re going to make sure he’s with us [on the road] so we can gauge where he is and go from there.”

> WORKING ON TURKEY DAY: Working on Thanksgiving morning didn’t exactly ruin holiday plans any of the Hawks had with their families.

That was done already. Having to travel later in the day made dinner plans almost useless, as the team will be in Toronto shortly after dark.

It’s a routine veteran players insist they are used to.

“I can’t remember the last time I just sat around with the family and ate dinner on Thanksgiving,” said Hawks point guard Mike Bibby, an 11-year veteran. “I don’t think I have, really. Christmas last year I might have been at home, and the year before, but I can’t remember. You could probably count the times on one hand.”

Hawks captain Joe Johnson said it’s simply part of the job.

“You just kiss your mama and keep it moving,” Johnson said. “Because we’ve got work to do.”

> NO BOGUT: The Bucks played without starting center Andrew Bogut Wednesday.

Bogut will miss seven to 10 days with a bone bruise in his left knee. He had the knee examined Tuesday —- the Bucks were in town a day early and practiced at the Hawks’ facility —- and the injury was revealed.