Well, the Hawks had all of the momentum in the world for a game. Plus another two and a half quarters. They had an 11-point lead with under three minutes to play in the third as they were looking to hold serve at home in the first round of the NBA playoffs. <\/p>\n
Date\/Time: 7:30 PM ET, Friday, May 3, 2012 Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n But the Celtics beat Atlanta 87-80 in Game 2 to tie the series at one game apiece, giving them a chance to take control in Game 3 on Friday.<\/p>\n Josh Smith was in and out the game. Playing in short spurts until he finally had to leave the game for good with a little over four minutes remaining.<\/p>\n The Celtics were also without Rajon Rondo, so the Hawks had every chance to take a commanding 2-0 lead in this one without Rondo and Allen on the floor. If Smith is forced to miss this one and beyond though, the Hawks do not have much of a chance here.\u00a0\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Atlanta would already be up against it seeing as the series has transitioned back to Boston now as they stole home court advantage with their Game 2 win. They are going to need a max contract effort from Joe Johnson in here if they want to get back into this thing.<\/p>\n Boston has been nearly unbeatable at home during the playoffs since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen arrived in Boston in 2007-08, which epitomizes why the Hawks\u2019 home court advantage was so crucial.<\/p>\n
\nVenue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
\nBroadcast: ESPN
\nSpread: OFF
\nOver\/Under: OFF<\/strong><\/p>\n