Kings try to cool off Suns

The streaking Suns play the finale of a three-game homestand this evening. On Friday, All-Star Shawn Marion and reigning MVP Steve Nash both scored 27 points to lead Phoenix to a 122-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at US Airways Center.

Marion, who grabbed 14 rebounds, finished 8-of-19 from the floor and was a perfect 11-of-11 from the line in the win over Milwaukee for the Suns. Nash dished out 11 assists, while Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points and pulled down 11 boards.

Leandro Barbosa contributed 20 points and Raja Bell netted 18 for the Suns, who have won six straight and defeated Milwaukee at home for the 19th consecutive time. Phoenix shot 50.6 percent (41-of-81) from the field in the victory.

Phoenix is 7-2 at home this season. It has also captured six straight at US Airways Center. After tonight’s contest, the Suns embark on a five-game road trip. They will visit New Jersey, Boston, Charlotte, Orlando and Miami on the upcoming swing.

Sacramento tries to halt a three-game losing streak. Jameer Nelson hit the game-winning three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left to boost Orlando to a 92-89 triumph over the Kings at ARCO Arena. The Magic snapped an 11-game skid at Sacramento with the victory.

Mike Bibby had 19 points and seven assists in the loss to Orlando for the Kings, who have lost three in a row twice this season. Brad Miller scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Kevin Martin and John Salmons both netted 16 in defeat.

On the injury front for Sacramento, forward Ron Artest (sore back) is questionable for tonight’s contest. Artest, who has missed two straight games, is averaging 17.4 points, 7.6 boards and 3.1 assists this season.

The Kings are 2-5 on the road this season. They have dropped two straight as the visitor.

Sacramento has lost two of three and three of its last five at Phoenix. The Suns have won two in a row in this series.