Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith will probably not play against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fortunately, for the Hawks, Kevin Durant will probably not play either.
The AJC's Ken Sugiura reports that Smith missed practice on Thursday and that it's unlikely that he will face off against the Thunder on Friday night at Philips Arena.The Atlanta power forward spent Wednesday night with a doctor. An MRI was taken on his sore right knee. He returned in time to root his team to an 83-80 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Nevertheless, Smith was unable to practice on Thursday. Sugiura reports that Smith has no difficulty running in a straight line, but is having issues when he tries to make a lateral cut. That would definitely affect his game on the floor.
Atlanta will not be the only team likely missing a big player on Friday night. Durant is also listed as doubtful for the contest. The 2007-08 NBA Rookie of the Year sprained an ankle in Oklahoma City's win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.