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Grizzlies play host to Suns

Jan 11, 2015 - 3:24 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Memphis Grizzlies look for some consistency when they host the Phoenix Suns tonight at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies have lost two straight and three of four games following a three-game win streak, and are coming off Friday's 106-95 setback at New Orleans. The Pelicans scored the first nine points of the game and never trailed. They closed the first half on a 19-7 run for a 52-39 advantage.

Memphis never recovered and failed to reach 100 points for the third time in the previous four contests. Zach Randolph returned from a nine-game absence (4-5) and recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley scored 19 points apiece in the loss.

"We want to be consistent with our scheme, with our effort, with our execution ... we're neither of those," Gasol said. "Without that, it's hard to win games. It's really, really hard."

The Grizzlies are 14-4 at home this season and 16-6 against teams from the West (9-2 at home). They will visit Brooklyn and Orlando on the upcoming schedule.

Phoenix will wrap up a four-game road trip Sunday and had a four-game winning streak cut short in Friday's 100-95 setback at San Antonio.

The Suns staged a furious rally and held the Spurs to just 10 points in the third quarter. Things broke down from there, as the Spurs lit up the Suns for 41 points over the final 12 minutes and forced Phoenix into 20 turnovers.

Eric Bledsoe led the visitors with 19 points and 10 assists, P.J. Tucker also scored 19 points and Goran Dragic scored 17 points. Tucker and Markieff Morris were both whistled for technical fouls with 1:57 remaining and head coach Jeff Hornacek wasn't too proud.

The Spurs grabbed a five-point lead after the foul shots.

"We're tired (of it)," Hornacek said. "The coaches have talked about it all year. We're just going to take them out whenever they get technicals from now on. It's as simple as that."

Phoenix made it 90-89 until a Patty Mills 3-pointer iced it.

On a positive note, Dragic is averaging 19.4 ppg in his last 20 games. Bledsoe is posting an average of 18.9 points, 6.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds over his past 13 contests.

The Suns are 2-1 on the road trip and 13-10 away from home. They have won 10 of the last 13 games overall and will start an eight-game homestand Tuesday.

Memphis defeated Phoenix, 102-91, on Nov. 5 in the first of three matchups this season. The two teams will meet again Feb. 2 in the Valley of the Sun. Memphis swept all four meetings last season with the Suns and is riding a five-game winning streak in this series.

The Grizzlies are 5-1 in the past six home games versus the Suns.