Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith sat out Saturday's practice in Boston but is planning on returning to the court in time for Game 4.

Josh Smith on GM 4: "I'm probably going to play regardless how [knee] feels because I know the importance of this game." #Hawks

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) May 5, 2012

Smith said after practice that everyday of rest that he gets that his knee feels better. Whether or not that is true only Smith knows but it also sounds like he is preparing to play regardless because he knows how important Game 4 is to the Hawks.

Down 2-1 in the series, Atlanta needs Game 4 badly to prevent the series returning to Atlanta in a do or die situation.

For more on the Hawks-Celtics playoff series check out Peachtree Hoops and CelticsBlog. For more news and notes regarding the NBA Playoffs head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.