Rising Suns host Bucks at US Airways Center

Milwaukee has lost 17 straight at Phoenix. The last time the Bucks won at Phoenix was on February 21, 1987.

Phoenix plays the first of a brief two-game homestand. All-Star Shawn Marion scored 23 of his 30 points in the second half and grabbed 18 rebounds, as the Suns defeated the Houston Rockets, 111-94, on Monday at the Toyota Center.

Reigning MVP Steve Nash tallied 23 points and dished out 10 assists in the win over Houston for the Suns, who have won seven in a row and 10 of their last 11 overall. Boris Diaw scored 16 points while Raja Bell added 14.

Marion has scored 30 or more points in three straight games. He is averaging 35 points and 19 rebounds in that span. The 6-7 forward has collected a double-double in five straight games and leads the league with 43 this season.

The Suns, who won nine in a row earlier this season from November 22 to December 9, are scheduled to host the Orlando Magic on Friday. Phoenix is 22-8 at home this season and has won five in a row as the host.

Milwaukee attempts to close out a three-game road trip with a perfect 3-0 record this evening. On Monday, Michael Redd led a balanced Milwaukee attack with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, as the Bucks cruised past the Denver Nuggets, 110-89, at the Pepsi Center.

Six Bucks scored in double figures, including Charlie Bell with a career-high 17 in the win over Denver. Rookie Andrew Bogut had 16 points and 11 boards and Jamal Magloire scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who have won two straight after a four-game losing streak

The Bucks are just 12-17 on the road this season. After tonight’s game they return home to host the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings.

This is the first of two meetings this season between the clubs. Milwaukee is scheduled to host the Suns on March 28th at the Bradley Center.

Phoenix has won three straight and 10 of the last 11 meetings overall in this series.