Josh Smith is now expected to start Thursday against the Clippers, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

Smith is now expected to start Thursday against the Clippers, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Despite coach Kevin McHale indicating that the starting power forward would not be named until Thursday, Watkins has reported that Smith will likely remain in the starting five. If Smith makes another start, Terrence Jones would likely remain in a bench role.