With the first back-to-back-to-back set of games in this lockout shortened NBA season, the Phoenix Suns are making a lineup change for their Tuesday night game against the Denver Nuggets. Starters Steve Nash and Grant Hill will not play. Neither is suffering from an injury, but the team is deciding to sit them to give them rest.

In their place, Ronnie Price and Michael Redd will start.

For logistical purposes, this means that Jared Dudley will move over and be the starting small forward, while Redd takes the shooting guard spot.

Can the Suns afford to rest Nash? It is a risky proposal because of how the offense frequently bogs down without him. However, while looking at the season as a whole, it is a better idea to perhaps sacrifice a road game now than have Nash worn out an less effective down the stretch.

The Suns lineup now looks like this:

• C -- Marcin Gortat
• PF -- Channing Frye
• SF -- Jared Dudley
• SG -- Michael Redd
• PG -- Steve Nash