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GREENSBORO — The ACC's player of the year limped off the court at the Greensboro Coliseum on Friday night, grimacing with each baby step.

Now the question is: Will we see Nolan Smith again?

No. 5 Duke is already without super freshman point guard Kyrie Irving, who caused a stir simply by trotting through a rehab workout 90 minutes before tipoff Friday.

Now the second-seeded Blue Devils (28-4) face the prospect of playing sixth seed Virginia Tech (21-10) in the semifinals without Smith, the ACC's leading scorer and the team's leader in assists.

"I'm not sure of Nolan's status," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "We probably won't know until (this) morning."

The guards have bookend injuries: Irving's right big toe; Smith's left second toe.

"I'm not sure what the second toe is," Krzyzewski deadpanned. "I'm Polish. I just feel lucky that I have five toes."

It was a moment of levity. But the injuries are no joke. Smith is irreplaceable. And even with the workout, Irving isn't ready to play.

Krzyzewski insisted the freshman is simply "in the next phase of rehab" and there is no timetable for his return.

"He's not going to magically appear (today)," Krzyzewski said, "because he hasn't done anything with the team. But he's coming along."

The truth is, Duke might have to rely on Seth Curry at the point, and Andre Dawkins at the two.

They combined for 20 points against Maryland. And with them on the floor, Duke outscored the Terps 24-11 after Smith left the game.

The two were also the starting guards for Duke's backup Blue team in November practice sessions, working against Irving and Smith.

"If we want to win (today)," Krzyzewski said, "especially if Nolan can't play, we need (Dawkins)."

It'll be a tough matchup. Duke has already lost to Virginia Tech this season. And Hokies guards Malcolm Delaney and Erick Green are a tougher backcourt than Maryland ran at the Blue Devils.

So there are questions. How much will Virginia Tech's guards have left after two grueling games? Will Irving return at all? And will we see Smith again?

Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.com