Smith day-to-day with slight ankle sprain
Hawks forward Josh Smith did not participate in the on-court portion of Hawks practice Monday after suffering a sprained right ankle in Game 1 of the playoff series against the Pacers.
Smith suffered a slight ankle sprain with 9:33 remaining in the third quarter of the 107-90 series-opening loss at Indiana on Sunday. The Hawks spent part of Monday’s practice watching video and Smith took part in those sessions.
Coach Larry Drew said Smith was day-to-day and he was hopeful the team’s leading scorer could play in Game 2 on Wednesday.
“He is back being treated right now,” Drew said after practice. “He will be treated all day (Monday). He will be treated (Tuesday). Hopefully, he will be ready to go Wednesday.”
Game 4 time set: Game 4 of the Hawks-Pacers playoff series, to be played in Atlanta on Monday, will be at 7 p.m. and broadcast by TNT. The NBA updated the series schedule Monday. FOX Sports South will also air the game.
Motivational broadcast: Drew played for his team some comments that TV analyst Reggie Miller, a former Pacers great, made during the Game 1 broadcast of the Heat-Bucks series.
“He made some interesting comments at the end of the game about playing for 48 minutes,” Drew said. “You have to play high energy, high intensity. You have to be amped up for 48 minutes. I let my guys listen to that this morning. I say it all the time. I want them to hear it from somebody else.”
Zaza reaches out: Drew said he received a text message from Zaza Pachulia prior to Game 1. Drew said he was in his hotel room Saturday night when he received the good luck message from the center, who is out for the season after surgery to repair a partially torn Achilles tendon.
“I texted, ‘Hey big fella, this is one of those series where we are going to really miss you.’” Drew said. “He’s been a guy, when we talk about that physical play, that is who he is and what he brings.”
On the road again: The Hawks returned to Atlanta following Sunday afternoon's game, arriving back in town before 7 p.m. The team practiced at Philips Arena Monday and will do so Tuesday before returning to Indianapolis for Game 2 on Wednesday.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
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