Suns try to extend lead in Pacific against Clippers

Phoenix owns a 6 1/2 game lead over the second-place Clippers in the Pacific.

The Clippers enter tonight’s contest on a four-game winning streak. Center Chris Kaman finished with 24 points and a career-high 23 rebounds, as the Clippers handed the Minnesota Timberwolves a 95-87 loss on Monday at the Staples Center.

Veteran Sam Cassell ended with 17 points and five assists, while Cory Maggette contributed 15 points off the bench and All-Star Elton Brand netted 14 and pulled down 11 boards in the win over Minnesota for the Clippers, who have won seven of their last nine games overall and have matched last season’s win total of 37 wins.

Mike Dunleavy collected his 500th NBA career coaching win on Monday for the Clippers.

Los Angeles is 15-15 as the visitor this season. The Clippers have won two in a row on the road.

The Suns try to win back-to-back games this evening. On Tuesday, Raja Bell scored 25 points to lead Phoenix over the Seattle SuperSonics, 129-120, at KeyArena.

Shawn Marion posted 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacific Division-leading Suns, who have won 13 of their last 15 games overall. Reigning MVP Steve Nash and Tim Thomas scored 23 points apiece, while Boris Diaw added 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the victory.

Phoenix is an impressive 25-9 as the host this season. It has won eight of its last nine at home.

This is the third meeting of the season between the squads. In the two previous contests, the teams split a pair of games at Phoenix.

The Clippers have lost two straight after winning their last three at Phoenix.

The Suns are scheduled to host the Clippers on April 5th in the fourth and final meeting of the campaign.