Hawks' Josh Smith expected to play

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith is expected to play in Tuesday night's playoff game against the Orlando Magic despite receiving extensive treatment the past two days for a bruised elbow.

Smith sustained the injury Saturday during the Hawks' 103-93 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-seven playoff series. He finished the game and had 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 34 minutes.

Team officials said Smith didn't know at exactly what point in the game he injured the elbow, but he complained of soreness and stiffness in his left arm after he woke up Sunday morning. Smith participated in the Hawks' practice sessions each of the past two days and went through the team's shootaround Tuesday morning.

Hawks coach Larry Drew said having two days off between games to recover was essential for Smith and a few other Atlanta players who have been dealing with nagging injuries.

"He's been icing it and been getting treatment on it and says it's been getting better," Hawks coach Larry Drew said before Tuesday's shootaround. "I don't think the elbow hampers him to the point where it totally takes him out of the game. He's an impact guy. He still has the ability to impact the game. I really believe with the elbow hurting or without it hurting, he still has the ability to impact."