Smith misses game, penalty

Josh Smith will not be suspended by the NBA for the flagrant foul called against him in Monday’s loss in Utah.

However, Smith missed Wednesday’s game in Denver after he returned to Atlanta to attend to a personal matter.

Smith was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul with 8:40 remaining in the Hawks’ 108-89 loss to the Jazz. Smith knocked former Marist and Georgia Tech star Matt Harpring to the floor on a fast break. Harpring’s head hit the floor and he bounced up and immediately went after Smith. Both players had to be restrained by teammates and game officials.

Point guard Mike Bibby also did not play Wednesday night. He missed shootaround practice earlier in the day because of flu symptoms. He played 15 scoreless minutes against the Jazz.

The Hawks finish a five-game trip in Denver. They were 1-3 before Wednesday’s game, with losses to the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Utah sandwiched around a win at Sacramento.

NEXT FOR HAWKS

> Who: vs. Heat

> When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

> TV; radio: SPSO; 790 AM