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Suns host Spurs with home winning streak on line

Dec 25, 2008 - 11:16 AM San Antonio (18-10) at Phoenix (16-11) 2:30 p.m. EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs renew their rivalry Thursday, with the Suns aiming for their sixth straight home win.

Despite their contrasting styles, the perennial playoff teams have placed themselves in position for another pair of postseason berths through the first quarter of the season.

The supposed commitment to defense under first-year head coach Terry Porter has yet to kick in for Phoenix, ranking 25th in points allowed at 102.9 points a game. But the offense has not missed a beat, scoring 103.3 points per contest.

Phoenix, which has scored 100 points or more in seven consecutive games, has allowed its opponents to reach the century mark in 12 straight.

Amare Stoudemire had 27 points and 10 rebounds in a 108-101 win over Denver on Saturday while Steve Nash scored 16 and dished out 11 assists.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Suns, who opened the season 4-5 at home.

San Antonio has rounded into midseason form thanks to a healthy backcourt. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have led the Spurs to three straight wins and nine victories in their last 11.

Parker scored 32 on 13-of-17 shooting in Tuesday's 99-93 victory over Minnesota while Tim Duncan added 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Ginobili is averaging 14.3 points off the bench since returning to action on November 24, helping San Antonio post a 12-4 record during that time. However, he left the Spurs' last game with pain in his surgically repaired ankle.