Hawks' Joe Smith expects to play Tue.

Hawks forward Joe Smith expects to play Tuesday against Cleveland.

Smith, who has missed the past eight games with a dislocated left thumb, took part in practice Monday morning at Philips Arena to test out the digit.

"I went through some contact stuff today, got it beat up a little bit a couple times, but it bounced back pretty good," said Smith, who iced down the thumb after practice. "I think I'll be ready."

Smith would be an important piece of the Hawks' game plan against the Cavaliers, which will come at the Hawks with big men Shaquille O'Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao.

The Hawks also will play the Cavaliers Wednesday night in Cleveland.

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Credit: AP