Horford injury could cripple Hawks' hopes

ATLANTA If there were one player whom the Hawks couldnt afford to lose, it probably is Al Horford, Atlantas two-time All-Star center. So the news that Horford is out with a shoulder injury for three to four months effectively the remainder of the regular season is downright crushing news. Its unexpected news, too. Im still surprised, said Horford, whos averaging 13 points and 7.5 rebounds. I was hoping that it was a sprain and I could rehab it for a few weeks and come back. He plans to get a second opinion, but either way, surgery is likely required, which means the Hawks will be without The Boss for much longer than theyd like and maybe longer than their playoff hopes can handle. Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Horford form the Atlantas Big Three. Each brings his own value and set of skills that the Hawks, always a solid playoff team but not quite elite, cant really do without. Johnson is the squads go-to scorer, Atlantas clear-out option (Iso-Joe is what the fans half-sarcastic...