Suns set in Denver

Phoenix attempts to avoid losing back-to-back games since November, when it dropped four in a row in the beginning of the month. On Saturday, Mehmet Okur scored 29 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead bucket with 5.1 seconds left, as the Utah Jazz defeated the Suns, 108-105, at US Airways Center.

Amare Stoudemire had 28 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Utah for the Suns, who have dropped two of three since recording 17 straight victories. Reigning MVP Steve Nash tallied 22 points and 10 assists for Phoenix, which had a 10-game home winning streak halted.

The Suns, who play the opener of a brief two-game road trip, are 17-6 on the road this season. Phoenix is scheduled to visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday at the Rose Garden.

On the injury front for Phoenix, guard Raja Bell (inflammation in left knee) is questionable for tonight’s contest. Bell, who is averaging 15.1 points per game, did not play against Utah and has missed four games this season.

Denver also attempts to get back on the winning track this evening. Kevin Martin scored 28 points, as the Sacramento Kings picked up a 94-87 win over the Nuggets on Saturday at ARCO Arena. Denver has lost 20 straight at Sacramento. The last time the Nuggets won in Sacramento was on January 7, 1997.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points for Denver, which has lost five of its last six games overall. Nene, Steve Blake and J.R. Smith all scored 13 points, and Linas Kleiza netted 10.

Denver’s All-Star guard Allen Iverson did not play against Sacramento because of a sprained right ankle. The Georgetown product is questionable for tonight’s game.

Center Marcus Camby (groin strain) and forward Reggie Evans (sprained right ankle) are also questionable for Denver.

The Nuggets are 13-12 at home this season. They will host Chris Paul and the Hornets on Wednesday.

This is the first meeting of the season between the clubs. The Suns and Nuggets were supposed to play on December 20th, but the game was rescheduled because of poor weather conditions in Denver.

Phoenix has won three of its last four at Denver. The Suns have won two in a row and seven of the last eight contests in the series.