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Grizzlies look to snap losing skid vs. Suns

Dec 30, 2008 - 11:26 AM Phoenix (17-12) at Memphis (10-21) 8:00 p.m. EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The last time the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the Phoenix Suns, they got the better of Steve Nash but still fell just short. This time around, they may not have to contend with the two-time MVP at all.

The Grizzlies get a chance to knock off the Suns for the first time in more than three years as they play host on Tuesday night in a Western Conference tilt.

Memphis has dropped nine in a row to Phoenix, including a 107-102 loss on November 10 - which came despite the fact that the Grizzlies held Nash to just 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting and six turnovers.

It remains to be seen whether Nash will be ready to go in this one. The veteran point guard left Monday's contest against Oklahoma City late in the first quarter with back spasms - the second time this season the injury has flared up.

The Suns managed to survive against the lowly Thunder, but are just 5-15 without Nash in the starting lineup since he arrived in Phoenix. The Grizzlies, however, haven't defeated the Suns since December 17, 2005.

Memphis has lost six of its last seven games, most recently an overtime defeat to the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Rookie sensation O.J. Mayo carried the Grizzlies with 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting and Kyle Lowry added 14 and 12 assists, but neither performance was enough to offset Al Jefferson's 38-point, 16-rebound outburst.