• Preview
• Bleachers

Smith, Hawks look for third straight without Johnson

Mar 10, 2007 - 4:07 PM Minnesota (27-34) at Atlanta (24-39) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Thanks to Josh Smith, the Atlanta Hawks haven't missed All-Star Joe Johnson all that much.

The Hawks on Saturday will look for their third straight win without the injured Johnson when they host Minnesota Timberwolves.

Johnson has carried the offensive load for Atlanta this season, averaging 25.0 points 4.4 assists. However, the 6-7 swingman may possibly miss the remainder of the season with a calf contusion.

But Atlanta has not missed a beat, winning both contests since Johnson was sidelined.

After a three-point victory over Washington on Wednesday, the Hawks posted a dramatic 106-105 victory over Memphis two nights later.

After scoring just 13 points against the Wizards, Smith was the difference on Friday, converting the game-winning three-point play with 11 seconds left.

The Hawks will look to keep rolling against the struggling Timberwolves, who have lost seven of their last nine games. Minnesota has been atrocious on the road this campaign, posting just a 9-21 record away from the Target Center.

Despite the Hawks' struggles over recent years, the Timberwolves have not won in Atlanta since November 20, 2002.