Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks

Hawks' Joe Smith expects to play vs. Cavs

By
Dec 28, 2009

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.

About the Author

Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.

Follow Ken Sugiura on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Hawks forward Jalen Johnson — pictured practicing during training camp in September — is coming off back-to-back triple-doubles. He had 21 points, 18 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists Friday in a loss to the Nuggets and 30 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in Saturday's win over the Wizards. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Hawks to use short break to recharge and find ‘good juice’ after heavy load

Atlanta is one of 22 teams with a few days to practice and rest while the NBA Cup knockout stage goes on. The Hawks next play Friday vs. the Pistons.

Hawks two-way forward Jacob Toppin to miss remainder of season

Jacob Toppin signed his two-way qualifying offer in July. The Hawks said Toppin sustained a right shoulder injury on Nov. 29 playing with the College Park Skyhawks.

Johnson’s second straight triple-double boosts Hawks over Wizards

Jalen Johnson's second straight triple-double led the Hawks to a 131-116 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

The Latest

Atlanta Hawks forward Jacob Toppin (0) makes a layup against the Miami Heat defense during the first half of an exhibition game Monday, Oct. 12, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks two-way forward Jacob Toppin to miss remainder of season

Hawks to use short break to recharge and find ‘good juice’ after heavy load

Johnson’s second straight triple-double boosts Hawks over Wizards

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child.

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.