Suns at Heat
THE STORY: The Phoenix Suns are on a hot streak and the Miami Heat have been close to unbeatable at home. Phoenix has won a season-high four consecutive games and 11 of 14 overall to move above. 500 as it begins a stretch with 12 of 15 games on the road in Miami on Tuesday. Miami is 19-2 at home and has won 13 straight since the Milwaukee Bucks beat them Jan. 22. The Heat defeated the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Arizona (Suns), SunSports (Heat)
ABOUT THE SUNS (23-22): Guard Michael Redd turned back the clock with a remarkable 25-point performance in Sunday’s victory over the Houston Rockets. Redd made 10 of 13 shots in just 18 1/2 minutes as he displayed his one-time standout form prior to suffering two career-threatening injuries to his left knee. It was Redd’s second 20-point game since joining the Suns. “I don’t feel any pressure to do more than I’m capable of,” Redd said. “I’m having fun.” Redd is averaging 7.3 points in 30 games with Phoenix.
ABOUT THE HEAT (33-11): Forward LeBron James has scored in double figures in 400 consecutive games dating back to Jan. 6, 2007. He didn’t score a bunch of points in the victory over Orlando but had a standout all-around performance with 14 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. “If I’m not getting it going scoring, it’s time to focus on something else,” James said. “I try to be a complete basketball player.” James has notched seven or more assists in three of the past four contests.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Miami has won six of the past seven meetings.
2. Heat forward Chris Bosh had 23 points against Orlando after totaling only 22 over the previous two games.
3. Suns point guard Steve Nash is averaging 13.3 assists over his last seven games.