Josh Smith made a very speedy recovery from hernia surgery and returned two weeks ahead of schedule.  The Hawks really needed that as they had just lost Speedy Claxton and Zaza Pachulia for awhile.  He didn’t have a great night in his first game back scoring 5 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists and blocking 3 shots.  But, the Hawks are glad to get him back.

Zaza Pachulia has an injured ankle but the Hawks have been mum on the severity of the injury.  He will miss some time.  Pachulia was having a good season as he has started in 31 games and has averaged 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.  He is almost impossible for the Hawks to replace so they better hope the injury is minor.

Speedy Claxton has a possible severe left knee injury.  He will miss alot of time, but the amount is not yet known.  Claxton has been a huge disappointment for the Hawks this season as they gave him alot of money to run the offense.  Claxton has played in 26 games (all starts) and he’s averaged 27.3 minutes, 6.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.23 steals per game this season.  He’s really shot alot of bricks this season as he’s only hit 34.7% of his shots from the floor.

Josh Smith will miss at least 4 weeks while he recovers from hernia surgery.  Smith was averaging 12.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per game so far this season.  The Hawks are going to miss Smith’s all-around game and his good defense.  Shelden Williams will start in his place and he is averaging 6.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game so far this season.

Josh Childress has a hairline fracture in his left foot which will keep him out until January.  This is a blow to the young Hawks who have been playing very well so far this season.