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Nash, Suns to face Johnson, Hawks

Nov 7, 2007 - 2:48 PM Phoenix (3-1) at Atlanta (1-2) 7:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns did not need Amare Stoudemire to post an easy victory Tuesday. The could be hard-pressed to repeat the feat a day later.

The high-flying Suns hope to have Stoudemire back in the lineup Wednesday when they visit the Atlanta Hawks.

Phoenix's leading scorer last season, Stoudemire has missed each of the last two games with a sore right knee. The 6-10 center also was sidelined with the injury during training camp.

Stoudemire, who has undergone operations on both of his knees over the last two years, said Tuesday that he hopes to be back in the lineup against the Hawks.

The absence of Stoudemire has not bothered the Suns, who have posted consecutive wins without the two-time All-Star.

After rallying to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Phoenix rolled to a 115-83 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday.

Nash dished out seven assists to paced a balanced attack, as eight Suns scored in double figures. Shawn Marion, Raja Bell and Leandro Barbosa led the way with 16 points each.

The Hawks were not nearly as successful on Tuesday, dropping an 87-82 decision to the New Jersey Nets. Former Sun Joe Johnson managed just 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting.

Atlanta has lost two straight after upsetting the Dallas Mavericks, 101-94, in their season opener.

The Hawks split the season series with the Suns last season, but have lost four of five since Johnson joined the team as a free agent prior to the 2005-06 season.