The Washington Wizards will try to run their home winning streak to five games when they host the struggling Phoenix Suns on Saturday. The Suns will also be looking for their sixth straight win at Verizon Center, where they haven't lost since Jan. 15, 2005. Phoenix has won 10 straight overall in the series and 11 of the last 12.
It's the back end of back-to-back sets for both teams, as Washington is coming off a 96-87 home win over New Orleans and Phoenix limps in after a 107-94 loss at Atlanta. The Suns have lost five of six and are tied with New Orleans for the worst record in the Western Conference. Washington has played much better in the second half of the season, winning 11 of its last 18 after an 11-35 start.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona (Phoenix), Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic (Washington)
ABOUT THE SUNS (22-44): Phoenix has struggled to a 7-27 road mark and is trying to salvage one win from its three-game road trip before heading home to face the Lakers on Monday. The Suns have to cut down on their 24 turnovers from Friday, most of which came from inexperienced post players. Point guard Goran Dragic (14.1 points, 6.9 assists) is the team's focal point, but veteran center Jermaine O'Neal has played well recently, averaging 13.6 points over his past five games.
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (22-42): The return of point guard John Wall (15.3 points, 7.5 assists) has had a lot to do with Washington's turnaround, and one of the best games of his career Friday with 29 points and a rare hot shooting night. Wall has stepped up his output the past three games, averaging 26.3 points and 11 assists. It couldn't come at a better time for the Wizards, who have been without rookie guard Bradley Beal (sprained left ankle) for the past six games. The Wizards also have a solid, if inconsistent, post duo in Nene (12.7 points, seven rebounds) and Emeka Okafor (9.4 points, 8.9 rebounds).
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Wall was 3-for-3 from 3-point range Friday after going 3-for-20 previously this season and 3-for-42 all of last season.
2. The Suns are 4-11 in the second game of back-to-back sets and have been swept nine times.
3. Wizards SF Martell Webster has averaged 18.8 points over his past four games, scoring 17 or more in each.