Suns at Jazz
THE STORY: A critical game in the Western Conference playoff race takes place Wednesday when the Utah Jazz host the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz are ninth in the Western Conference and trail eighth-place Houston by one game. The Suns are in 10th, a half-game behind Utah. Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games and can't afford to lose ground in the standings as the season winds down.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ROOT, Fox Sports Arizona
ABOUT THE SUNS (27-26): Phoenix has won three of four to move over .500 for only the third time this season. It's no surprise that Steve Nash is a big reason why the Suns have surged into the playoff race. While his 12.8 point average is his lowest since the 1999-2000 season, he's leading the league in assists at 11.3. He's topped that in his last six games with a 13.2 average, including 12 in Tuesday's 109-100 win over Sacramento.
ABOUT THE JAZZ (28-26): Utah broke a three-game losing streak, one short of its season high, with a 102-97 win over Portland on Monday, but not all of the news was good. Starting point guard Devin Harris sprained his left ankle and didn't practice Tuesday. He will be a game-time decision against Phoenix. Earl Watson is expected to start if Harris can't play. Jamaal Tinsley had three points, six assists and two steals in 18 minutes at the point Monday.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Marcin Gortat had 20 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday for the Suns. He scored 13 points with eight rebounds in the first half.
2. Jazz guard Raja Bell has been out since March 17 with a sore left knee. The 12-year veteran received an injection in the knee Monday, but it's unclear when he will return to the team.
3. The Suns have won six straight over the Jazz, including a 120-111 home victory on March 14.