WHEN: 8 tonight.

WHERE: US Airways Center, Phoenix.

BROADCASTS: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

ABOUT THE Suns: They're coming off a much-needed two-point home victory over Utah on Saturday that snapped a four-game losing streak. During the losing streak, guard Steve Nash said the team was in a "dark place" and that the players needed to keep believing in each other and staying positive. The victory over Utah enabled the Suns to avoid their first five-game losing streak since 2004-'05, when Nash was hurt.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Amare Stoudemire, Suns

Against Utah, he posted the fourth 20-20 game of his career (22 points, 20 rebounds). He grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and his 15 rebounds in the second half surpassed his previous season high for a game, 13. Stoudemire's 11 fourth-quarter rebounds were one of the keys to the victory.

LINEUPS

PROBABLE Suns STARTERS

Player Ht. From

G-Raja Bell 6-5 Fla. Intl.

G-Steve Nash 6-3 Santa Clara

F-Grant Hill 6-8 Duke

F-Amare Stoudemire 6-10 Orlando, Fla.

C-Shaquille O'Neal 7-1 LSU

Coach: Terry Porter (first season; third overall, 83-102).

Injury report: Alando Tucker (left knee) is out.

PROBABLE Bucks STARTERS

Player Ht. From

G-Luke Ridnour 6-2 Oregon

G-Michael Redd 6-6 Ohio State

F-Richard Jefferson 6-7 Arizona

F-Malik Allen 6-10 Villanova

C-Andrew Bogut 7-0 Utah

Coach: Scott Skiles (first season; ninth overall, 290-264).

Injury report: Charlie Bell (ankle) and Allen (ribs) are day to day.

THE SERIES

Phoenix defeated the Bucks on Nov. 8 at the Bradley Center, 104-96. The Bucks have lost 20 straight in Phoenix, tying for the longest such streak in the league (Sacramento over Grizzlies, San Antonio over Golden State).

NUMBERS GAME

5-5 The Suns' home record.

10-1 The Suns' record when they score 100 or more points.

8-1 The Suns' record when they hold the opponent below 100 points.

COMING UP

WEDNESDAY: 9:30 p.m. at Oracle Arena. Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors. TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

SATURDAY: 7:30 p.m. at the Bradley Center. Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers. TV - None. Radio - AM-620.

MONDAY: 6:30 p.m. at American Airlines Arena. Bucks vs. Miami Heat. TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

Tom Enlund

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