Suns aim to stay hot in Oakland

Both teams are tied for second place in the Pacific Division, a half-game back of the surprising Los Angeles Clippers, who will also be in action tonight against the New York Knicks.

Golden State comes into tonight’s tilt riding a five-game winning streak, while the Suns have won seven in a row after James Jones had 22 points to lead eight Phoenix players in double figure scoring in a 130-85 rout of the Portland Trail Blazer at America West Arena.

Shawn Marion and Raja Bell each contributed 21 points for the Suns, who posted their largest triumph since a 114-68 demolition of the Los Angeles Clippers on February 2, 2000.

Steve Nash had 14 points and 12 assists, while Pat Burke and Kurt Thomas each tallied 12 points. Jim Jackson and Dijon Thompson both scored 10, as the Suns shot 55.6 percent and hit half their 32 three-point tries.

The Suns, who set a season high for points and margin of victory, have held their last nine opponents under 100 points.

Phoenix, which won 11 in a row last December, is 3-1 away from home this season.

Golden State’s latest win came on Friday, as Jason Richardson scored 22 points, including four late points in the paint to lead the Warriors to a 107-100 victory over Charlotte.

Three Warriors notched double-doubles in the win, as Baron Davis poured in 21 points and dished out 14 assists, Troy Murphy tallied 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Adonal Foyle scored 12 points and grabbed 12 boards.

Derek Fisher contributed 17 points off the bench for Golden State, which won its sixth game in seven chances.

The Warriors, who will close their homestand against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, are 8-3 in their arena this season.

Phoenix topped Golden State earlier in the season and has won three of five and four of the last seven matchups. The Suns, though, have struggled in the Bay Area, where they have lost two of three and four of six.