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Smith, Hawks face Blazers; Randolph questionable

Mar 23, 2007 - 2:29 PM Portland (29-40) at Atlanta (27-42) 7:30 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- While the Portland Trail Blazers have been shorthanded, Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks are doing just fine with their shortened rotation.

The Hawks hope to continue overcoming a recent rash of injuries Friday when they host the Trail Blazers.

Atlanta is looking to improve to 6-2 without All-Star guard and leading scorer Joe Johnson, who was sidelined with a bruised right calf on March 5.

Despite losing Johnson, the Hawks have rallied thanks to Smith, who has averaged 19.0 points and 9.0 rebounds over his last eight contests.

Smith also has recorded four double-doubles in the seven games since Johnson has been sidelined. The second-year forward was one point short of his first career triple-double in Monday's win over Sacramento.

Atlanta suffered a 91-83 loss to Miami on Wednesday. But Smith had 27 points, nine rebounds, three steals and four blocks for the Hawks, who had a five-game home winning streak snapped.

Portland has lost seven of its last 10 games and again may be without forward Zach Randolph, who was granted bereavement leave on Monday. Without their leading scorer and rebounder, the Blazers posted a 92-86 victory over New York on Thursday. Rookie Brandon Roy scored 24 points.