Hawks’ Josh Smith suspended tonight vs. Nets

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Atlanta Hawks starting power forward Josh Smith has been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team, the Hawks organization announced today. According to a source in contact with Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Smith was kicked out of the team’s practice yesterday.

This is a big break for Brooklyn, as the athletic Smith poses a significant problem for the Nets inside. Smith is averaging 16.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 34.8 minutes per game, second on the team in PER. He is, however, posting one of the most inefficient years of his career shooting the ball, with a career-low in true shooting percentage and free throws made and attempted per game.

It is unclear who will start in Smith’s place, though it will likely be backup center Zaza Pachulia.