Clippers @ Suns

[Andrew]

Clippers-Suns Preview

Star Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash isn't expected to miss much time due to back spasms. The Los Angeles Clippers, meanwhile, rarely have as much luck with their injuries.

With Nash likely to return, the Suns look to hand the injury-depleted Clippers their sixth straight loss as the teams meet Friday night.

Nash sat out Phoenix's 101-89 win over Memphis on Tuesday night, but his injury isn't likely to keep him out of the lineup much longer.

The two-time MVP missed only his fourth game of the season, and the first with back problems. He missed one game in 2007-08.

Los Angeles (8-23) went 23-59 that season, with Elton Brand (Achilles') being limited to eight games and Chris Kaman (shin, back) playing 56. Brand is now missing time with Philadelphia due to a dislocated shoulder, but the Clippers continue to be injury-riddled.

Kaman has been out since late November due to a strained arch in his left foot, fellow big man Zach Randolph has missed three straight games with a bruised left knee and guard Mike Taylor will be out at least six weeks with a broken right thumb.

Those injuries leave the Clippers in a tough position as they try to snap a five-game losing streak. Facing a veteran Suns team won't help.

With Nash out, Phoenix (18-12) got a vintage game from Shaquille O'Neal versus the Grizzlies. He had 24 points to move into eighth place on the NBA scoring list.

"All you've got to do is throw it in to the most consistent big man in the history of the game," O'Neal said with a smile. "I'm proven."

O'Neal had 13 rebounds and three blocks, and his fourth-quarter dunk moved him past Oscar Robertson on the career scoring list with 26,711 points. O'Neal was 8-of-13 from the field and missed only two of his 10 free throws.

"I can remember growing up, my father bragging about Big Oscar," the veteran center said. "For me, it's a credit to my parents for raising me well, and a credit to me for just working hard and playing hard.

"I'm really upset with myself. I've missed about 5,000 free throws. If I had only made half of those, I'd probably be No. 3 right now."

Next on the career scoring list for O'Neal is Hakeem Olajuwon, who has 26,946 points.

In the backcourt, Leandro Barbosa got his second start of the season with Nash ailing, and he responded with a game-high 28 points.

Phoenix also overcame the loss of big man Amare Stoudemire, ejected in the second quarter after his second technical.

Stoudemire averaged 29.0 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 65.7 percent in helping the Suns win three of four games against the Clippers last season.

Los Angeles forward Al Thornton averaged 7.0 points and shot 39.3 percent versus the Suns as a rookie last season. But Thornton, the 14th overall pick in 2007, has developed nicely, and is scoring 16.6 per game.

Thornton had 24 points against Philadelphia on Wednesday night, but the Clippers lost 100-92. Thornton had two of Los Angeles' 18 turnovers, which led to 25 points for the 76ers.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=290102021

 

[Ronin]

Suns 102
Clippers 82

Barbosa

 

[Andrew]

How has Davis played this season? He is certainly capable of going off...

 

[Brianellsworth]

Averaging 17.9 pts 8 assts and 3.6 rebounds per game.

 

[mjb21aztd]

Well lets hope the real suns team shows up for this game and wins it easily. Would be great to see Shaq have another great game love the way he is playing latly . I expect a win tonight rather easily.

Suns 109

Clippers 94

Leading Scorer Richardson 22 pts

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Well at least Sam Cassell can't light us up for 30+ this time.

 

[LavaLamp2]

Suns 107
Clippers 99

Leading scorer Amare 24 pts. 8 rebounds

 

[dodie53]

is Nash playing?

go suns!

 

[Griffin]

Baron Davis is not playing.

 

[slinslin]

Too bad , he is shooting 37% on the season or worse.

 

[dodie53]

Baron Davis is not playing.

good for the suns

 

[cly2tw]

any link for the game?

 

[Andrew]

check the stream thread

 

[Andrew]

Nash is starting

 

[Brianellsworth]

any link for the game?

check the stream thread

Andrew....you sure have matured.

 

[Ronin]

Good first quarter by Jason Richardson.

 

[Andrew]

good start, just wish I could watch the game...

 

[Blackification]

http://www.justin.tv/burgers4everyone

 

[Andrew]

finally broadcasting the game

 

[Andrew]

Aww...I l

 

[Andrew]

Aww...I love the hot start.

 

[Ronin]

zero turnovers so far.

 

[LV-Suns]

finally broadcasting the game

...and its gone.

 

[cly2tw]

link gone?

 

[Andrew]

it stopped the stream