The Phoenix Suns are four games behind the New Orleans Hornets with 12 games left on the schedule. With the eight-seed Memphis Grizzlies showing no signs of slowing down, the Suns feel their best chance is to catch the Hornets. With two meeting left, a pair of wins could cut two games off New Orleans' lead in the standings. The first opportunity comes tonight and once again, the schedule and luck have been kind to the Suns.
The Hornets come to town having played an overtime game in Utah last night. They beat the Jazz, in no small part to one of the most amazing, lucky, buzzer-beating shots you will ever see -- but they suffered a bit loss as well. Forward David West went down in a screaming heap after landing wrong and doing what appears to be major damage to his knee. Here's the video, but consider yourself warned.
The Suns will have their hands full containing Chris Paul and Marcin Gortat needs to do a better job against Emeka Okafor then he did when the two teams last played. Okafor scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds in that Hornet's win. He dominated the paint and held the Suns, who were without Channing Frye, to 43.2 percent shooting.
The Suns will be without forward Mickael Pietrus who suffered a quad injury in the previous game against Toronto. Josh Childress should get minutes backing up Grant Hill. Hill, who left the last game early due to a stomache virus and dehydration, said he's not fully recovered but will drive lots of fluids today and will be ready for the game tonight.
The game tips at 7:00 p.m. local time on Fox Sports Arizona and will be broadcast on Sports 620 radio. Fans can follow along during the game with other Suns fans at the live game thread at Bright Side of the Sun.
Coach Alvin Gentry after shootaround talking about the game and the status of his team.
For more video of the Suns, visit the SB Nation Arizona YouTube Channel.