Phoenix Suns Team Report - January 19

(Basketball News) - The short-handed Phoenix Suns attempt to halt a season- high four-game losing streak on Wednesday, when they begin a three-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies at America West Arena.

The Suns registered a 109-102 win over the Grizzlies on December 23 at America West Arena. Phoenix has won two straight after losing the last two meetings. The Suns have won 23 of 28 and 25 of the last 31 meetings. The Grizzlies have lost five straight at Phoenix.

Phoenix will likely once again be without All-Star point guard Steve Nash, who added a twisted back to his bruised thigh injury in practice on Tuesday. Nash is doubtful, while his backup Leandro Barbosa suffered a sprained left ankle in the practice.

Barbosa left the practice on crutches on Tuesday and was placed on the injured list Wednesday. He is averaging 5.6 points over 30 contests this season. Joe Johnson could see time at the point with Nash and Barbosa injured.

The Suns, who still ownsthe league’s best record (31-8), had their woes extended on Monday with a 94-80 loss to Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Johnson had 17 points to pace Phoenix, while Amare Stoudemire chipped in 16 points and nine boards.

Quentin Richardson finished with 13 points, while Shawn Marion had 11 points and seven boards. The Suns struggled from the field, hitting just 35.4 percent of their shots. Phoenix hit just 3-of-17 (.176) from three-point range and 21- of-25 from the free throw line.

The Suns registered a season-low 80 points in the defeat. Phoenix’s previous season-low point total was 83 Friday night in an 18-point loss at Indiana.

Phoenix, which has won 10 straight and 15 of its last 16 at home, are 16-2 in its friendly confines this season.

Johnson has scored in double-digits in 11 straight games. He is averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in that span.

Stoudemire has reached double-digits in scoring in 38 of Phoenix’ 39 games this season. He is averaging 26.1 points and 9.2 boards in his last 10 contests. The 22-year-old center/forward has registered 12 double-doubles for the Suns.

The Suns are scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday and the New Jersey Nets on Sunday. Phoenix is 0-1 against the Spurs this season, while it defeated the Nets, 112-80, on November 6th at Continental Airlines Arena. Phoenix will be playing the Nets for the final time this season.