Craig Smith’s bruised ribs actually have a “small break,” the pain from which likely will keep him out of the lineup for a couple of weeks, which is at least through the All-Star break.

That was Kevin McHale’s estimation after practice Friday. Knowing how McHale is with injuries — and how Kevin Ollie’s evaluation after three weeks will become a six-week layoff over longer –  it could be longer than that, but McHale said the timeframe will depend on how quickly Smith heals and how much pain he can tolerate.

“He’s a tough kid,” McHale said.

Smith was injured in a collision late in the first quarter of Tuesday’s victory at Indiana.

Kevin Love will continue to start in Smith’s place, a development you could consider a natural progression for his rookie season.

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