Suns hoping to get Joe Johnson back

• Tweet

SAN ANTONIO, May 27 (UPI) -- Phoenix forward Joe Johnson likely will return to the Suns' lineup Saturday evening when they meet San Antonio in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals.

The 6-7 Johnson, who has averaged 14.4 points and more than five rebounds per contest this post-season, suffered a broken orbital bone in his left eye socket in a fall against Dallas in the conference semi-finals and has missed the first two games against the Spurs.

San Antonio leads the series, 2-0. Johnson will continue to wear a protective mask for protection.

"It'll be a challenge, but I don't think it will bother me none," Johnson told reporters. "This is all part of it -- me getting back out there."

"Hopefully he'll be ready to go," said Coach Mike D'Antoni.