Suns ready for big homestand

The Suns try to get back on the winning track, as they host the slumping Indiana Pacers on Friday at US Airways Center. Indiana has lost two straight and six of its last seven games at Phoenix. The Suns have won three in a row in the series. This is the second and final meeting of the season between the squads.

Phoenix, which returns home after going 3-1 on a four-game road trip, opens a five-game homestand against the Pacers. On Wednesday, Andre Iguodala finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as the Philadelphia 76ers kept Phoenix from a historic feat with a 99-94 win at the Wachovia Center.

All-Star Amare Stoudemire had 31 points and 13 boards in the loss to Philadelphia for the Suns, who were looking to become the first team ever to sweep its interconference road schedule (14-1). Regardless, Phoenix finished interconference road play with the highest winning percentage all-time. Reigning MVP Steve Nash ended with 23 points and nine assists, while Raja Bell scored 13 against his former team in defeat.

On the injury front for Phoenix, forwards Boris Diaw (back spasms) and Shawn Marion (bruised right hand/bruised left quadriceps) are questionable for Friday’s contest. Marion, who leads the Suns in rebounding (10.2 rpg), and Diaw did not play against Philadelphia.

The Suns, who have won 10 of their last 13 contests on their home court, are an impressive 21-6 at home this season. They will also host the Lakers, Bobcats, Hornets and Rockets on the current homestand.

Stoudemire is averaging a team-best 20.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season. He has scored over 20 points in six straight games and has collected a double-double in five straight contests. The 6-11 Stoudemire has posted 30.4 points and 14.2 boards per game in his last five outings.

Phoenix is scheduled to play 13 of its final 24 games at home. The Suns will visit Dallas on March 14th at American Airlines Center and will host the Mavericks on April 1st.