Suns at Grizzlies
After taking two games to get back into playing shape, Eric Bledsoe will return to the starting lineup Tuesday as the Phoenix Suns visit the Memphis Grizzlies. Bledsoe, who missed six games with a shin contusion, averaged 16 points over 28 minutes as the Suns settled for a home-and-home split with the Utah Jazz. The Grizzlies have dropped three of four, the latest a 97-88 defeat at the hands of the struggling and shorthanded Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
Bledsoe's return to the starting five should immediately invigorate a Suns team that tread water in his absence. The six-game stretch did, however, coincide with the emergence of veteran guard Goran Dragic; the duo, which ranks 1-2 on the team in scoring, should present an imposing matchup for the Grizzlies' backcourt combo of Mike Conley and Tony Allen. Memphis will also be without Marc Gasol (knee), and might also be missing Zach Randolph (ingrown toenail).
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), SportSouth (Memphis)
ABOUT THE SUNS (9-8): Bledsoe and Dragic gave Phoenix fans visions of up-tempo offense and baskets by the boatload - but injuries have resulted in the two skilled ball-handlers finishing just three of Phoenix's first 17 games together. Bledsoe says he'll return to his old self eventually but isn't the least bit interested in rushing it. "When I'm playing, I just like to play my game," he told the Arizona Republic. "At the end of the day, I can't worry about the injury. If I'm out there trying to play too passive and worrying about if I can make this move or that move, that's how you end up getting hurt again."
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (8-8): Randolph wasn't at practice Monday and didn't sound overly optimistic about his chances of returning after a one-game absence. "Gonna ride the bike and put a little pressure on (the toe)," he told reporters prior to Monday's session. "It's still sore and as big as a balloon." Randolph's absence would leave Memphis without its top two post players, leaving the frontcourt woefully thin. That was a problem area against the Nets, as Memphis was outrebounded 39-33 while surrendering eight offensive boards in defeat.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The teams have split the previous 10 meetings, with the road club prevailing in the last two games.
2. Bledsoe averages 9.1 points in nine career games against Memphis.
3. Dragic averaged 20.5 points and 8.8 assists in Bledsoe's absence.