Timberwolves host Nash, Suns

Phoenix, which is in first place in the Pacific Division, opens a four-game road trip. All-Star Amare Stoudemire scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Suns over the Boston Celtics, 118-108, on Wednesday at US Airways Center.

Leandro Barbosa scored 26 points off the bench, Raja Bell netted 20 and All- Star Shawn Marion posted 17 points, 11 boards and four blocks in the win over Boston for the Suns, who have won two in a row after a three-game skid.

Two-time MVP Steve Nash, who played in his second game since missing four games with a sore right shoulder, finished with 14 points and 13 assists in the victory.

On the injury front for Phoenix, Boris Diaw (back spasms) is questionable for tonight’s game. Diaw, who is averaging 10.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season, has missed the last four contests.

The Suns are 20-7 on the road this season. They are scheduled to visit Atlanta, Indiana and Philadelphia on the current swing.

Minnesota has dropped two in a row and plays the second of a five-game homestand. On Wednesday, rookie Adam Morrison scored 26 points to lift the Charlotte Bobcats over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 100-95, at the Target Center.

All-Star Kevin Garnett poured in 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the loss to the Bobcats for Minnesota. Mike James came off the bench and contributed 17 points, while Mark Blount scored 12 in defeat.

The Timberwolves are 16-10 at home this season. They will also host Washington, Dallas and Utah on the homestand.

This is the third of four meetings of the campaign between the squads. The teams split the first two contests, as both clubs picked up a win at home.

Phoenix is scheduled to host the Timberwolves on March 20th at US Airways Center.

The Suns have lost 11 of 15 and 14 of their last 19 at Minnesota.