JOSHUA Smith is not expected to miss a game for TnT Katropa in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after undergoing procedure on his nose which he hurt in the team’s last outing against Meralco.
Coach Nash Racela said Smith has already attended practice Saturday but didn’t join the Katropa in their regular drills.
Smith had also been suited his protective mask which he will use during games.
“He already showed up in practice pero takbo-takbo lang,” said Racela. “We’ll see by Sunday or Monday kung puwede na siya sumali sa mga drills.”
The 26-year-old import injured his nose after being hit accidentally by Meralco counterpart Arinze Onuaku while going for a shot during the June 22 match between the sister teams. Even without Smith, the Katropa went on to win, 91-85.
The incident left the burly import with a bloodied nose and had to be confined for a night at the Cardinals Santos hospital.
Racela said Smith didn’t suffer a broken nose.
“I think procedure lang yung ginawa sa kanya. Kasi dumugo lang naman yung ilong niya. If broken yun, dapat namaga na yun at hirap siyang huminga,” said the TnT Mentor.
TnT Katropa needs all the help it can for its final game in the eliminations against top seed Rain or Shine on Saturday next week for a possible no. 2 finish and a twice-to-beat edge heading into the quarterfinals.
The Katropa are currently tied at second place with Alaska, both with 7-3 (win-loss) records.