Trail Blazers at Suns
THE STORY: Every game is critical for the Phoenix Suns, who host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. The Suns trail Houston by one game for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with six games to play. Phoenix is coming off a 105-91 loss to San Antonio on Saturday, a game in which the Suns trailed 21-4 after only six minutes. Portland is about to fall out of the race. The Trail Blazers have lost four of five and trail the Rockets by 4 1/2 games.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, CS Northwest (Portland), FS Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (28-33): Portland's management is already looking ahead to next season. Nolan Smith and Jonny Flynn, two of the Trail Blazers' young guards, will get extensive playing time in the final five games. In Sunday's 104-103 road loss to lowly Sacramento, Smith scored seven points in 21 minutes while Flynn had nine points in 19 minutes. The decision to go with younger players will likely mean less playing time for veterans Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton. Crawford, who has been playing with knee and groin injuries, sat out Sunday's game. Felton, who has been battling an Achilles injury, is expected to be out against Phoenix.
ABOUT THE SUNS (31-29): At least most of Phoenix's players should be well rested for the game. The huge early deficit against the Spurs allowed coach Alvin Gentry to sit most of his veterans. Point guard Steve Nash, who has been plagued by a sore hip, played only six minutes and scored two points Saturday. He plans on being in the lineup against Portland. Forward Grant Hill, one game after returning from knee surgery, played only eight minutes and scored four points. The Suns begin a four-game homestand and five of their last six games are at US Airways Arena. Phoenix is 17-11 at home.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Portland guard Wes Matthews scored 31 points Sunday, including a career-high eight 3-pointers. He was 10-of-16 from the field and missed only two of his 3-point attempts.
2. Portland is 8-10 under interim coach Kaleb Canales, who took over when Nate McMillan was fired March 15.
3. The teams have split two meetings this season. Both have won in blowout fashion on their home court. Phoenix rolled to a 102-77 victory on Jan. 6 while Portland recorded an easy 109-71 win on Jan. 27.