The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have overcome injuries all season. So it's no surprise they're both scrambling to change their lineups after losing starters in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.


Phoenix guard Raja Bell will miss at least Game 2 on Friday night because of a calf injury that could be severe. Dallas forward Josh Howard has a bone bruise on his left ankle and coach Avery Johnson said it would be a game-time decision on whether the versatile scorer and defender will be available.



'There's some soreness there," Johnson said following a workout Howard missed. "We'll see if he can be much improved tomorrow."



Phoenix's Shawn Marion said his twisted left ankle was sore Thursday, but that he'll definitely play Game 2 Friday night.



"It's hurting, but I'm going to be good," said Marion, who hurt the same ankle in the second round. "It's better than I expected."



The Suns lead the series 1-0 after a 121-118 victory Wednesday night.



"Hopefully it's something that's just really tight today and it'll start loosening up for me in the next day or so."
Raja Bell
Bell said he felt something pop in his leg, dropping him to the court with 5:27 left in the fourth quarter. He was helped off the court and later felt it stiffen. While teammates practiced Thursday, Bell was on his stomach having his calf treated by a trainer.



"It was pretty scary," he said. "I'm optimistic. Hopefully it's something that's just really tight today and it'll start loosening up for me in the next day or so."



Bell said he was told he could miss a week, but doesn't expect it. However, the extent of the injury isn't known.



The team opted not to take an MRI because it wouldn't change how he was treated, coach Mike D'Antoni said.



"There's no way he can [play] tomorrow," D'Antoni said. "After that, it's day-to-day and we'll have to see."



D'Antoni said Leandro Barbosa will start in Bell's place, with Eddie House and possibly James Jones getting added minutes, too. Phoenix already has won once this postseason with Barbosa replacing Bell -- Game 6 of the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers when Bell was suspended for a hard foul on Kobe Bryant.



"I think we'll be fine," said Bell, who left the arena on crutches. "We've had to do it so many times this year that nothing needs to be said. Plus, I don't see myself as a guy the team can't live without."



Howard was hurt six minutes into the game and didn't return. His injury initially was ruled a sprain, but changed to a bruise following an MRI early Thursday.



He scored six points in six minutes and was expected to guard Marion and possibly Nash. He's averaged 15.5 points and six rebounds per game in the playoffs, only slightly below his regular-season totals.



Dallas won all 21 games this season when he scores at least 20 points. The Mavs also were 16-7 in games that he missed.



Johnson was coy about how he'd replace Howard in the lineup. Adrian Griffin and Keith Van Horn both saw extended action in Game 1, both filling in for Howard and taking over at center in a small lineup.



"We'll figure out who we start and how we want to attack," Johnson said.



While Johnson dismissed questions about Bell's absence, D'Antoni kind of liked the idea of Howard being hurt.



"That helps," he said. "If [Dirk] Nowitzki would get sick, that'd be even better."

Courtesy of ESPN

I think that Dallas definitely need Josh Howard back if they want to either even this series or win it so that's a big loss for them. With Raja Bell, it will be good if he comes back and it would make it harder for Dallas because he works hard and doesn't give up. It will be interesting to see how game 2 will be without two big stars for eachothers team.

Yes I agree that they do need Josh Howard, I don't think that Stackhouse does the same things that Howard does, so I don't think he would be a good replacement even though Stack can score. Also in losing Raja Bell you lose scoring and a three point shooter, and he's a very good defender arguably the second best defender on the team, so both are big loses.

Stackhouse doesn't bring the same intensity as Josh Howard has and Josh Howard is the Mav's second go to guy in my opinion. He had six quick points in Game One when they were going cold in the first quarter. Dirk Nowizki is there number one go to guy and then i think Josh Howard can score and get to the basket better than Jason Terry yet he can hit three's better than Josh Howard so i will have to go with Josh Howard. Raja Bell is a big loss for Phoenix as well because he works very hard and he can score and defend.

The Mavs need Josh, but they need to focus on taking advantage of the other team's injuries as well. Raja Bell's injury was probably more severe, so he'll miss more games. Bell's an important guy for the Suns and the Mavs need to capitalize on that loss.

Josh Howard being injured is going to hurt Mavs more than it does Phoenix because Josh Howard is a hustle player and pretty solid defensive player. He can grab offensive rebounds and pretty underrated on their team. Raja Bell is not going to hurt the suns as much because barbosa can come off the bench to start for them. I see him doing a good job replacing bell.

I definitely agree that Dallas is worse off with the injury of Howard. Imo, Raja Bell doesn't bring the same thing to the Suns that Howard does to Dallas. Especially considering the fact that he's a player who can attack the basket and score, which they need if they're going to play a fast paced game with the Suns.

Raja bell is a big hit for the suns. Howard is also a big hit. Both are key defenders.

Here is a little more info on the status of Raja Bell.

Arizona Republic - Raja Bell was off crutches Friday and walking with a sleeve on his left leg, where he has a partially torn calf muscle.

"I'm able to get some range of motion and put some weight on it," Bell said. "That's more than I could say (Thursday). It's loosened up. Having said that, I haven't done anything ballistic - pushing or exploding. But walking is feeling OK."

On Saturday in Phoenix, Bell expects to have a magnetic resonance imaging test.

"I haven't ruled out anything for myself," Bell said. "Your mind is a powerful tool if you keep it where it needs to be.

They do need him back. In game two they could of needed him when they lost their momentum. Hopefully he will recover soon for Phoenix otherwise Dallas could take it in 5-6 games.