Seattle SuperSonics (13-36) at Phoenix Suns (34-15)
The new-look Phoenix Suns play the fifth of a six-game homestand tonight, as they host the Seattle SuperSonics at US Airways Center.
On Wednesday, Phoenix made a bold move to bolster their frontcourt, acquiring 14-time All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.
O'Neal, who has won four championships during his illustrious career, is currently sidelined with a left hip injury. Shaq, who will turn 36 in March, has two years left on his contract after this season and is set to be paid $20 million in each of the next two years. In just 32 games this season, he is averaging a career-low 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Phoenix is 2-2 on the homestand. Chris Paul poured in 42 points and Peja Stojakovic hit the game-winning jumper as time expired in the second overtime, pushing New Orleans past the Suns, 132-130, on Wednesday at US Airways Center with O'Neal in attendance.
Two-time MVP Steve Nash collected 32 points and handed out 12 assists, but also had 10 costly turnovers for Phoenix, which has dropped two of its last three outings. Amare Stoudemire finished with 26 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks, marking his third career 20-20 game. Despite the effort, the Suns slipped to 17-6 as the host.
Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa added 22 points apiece. Diaw made 11-of-16 attempts from the field, while Barbosa connected on 4-of-5 three-pointers. Raja Bell chipped in 11 points in defeat.
The Suns will host the Washington Wizards on Sunday in the finale of the homestand.
Seattle attempts to win back-to-back games tonight. Earl Watson recorded his first career triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists as the Sonics surged past the Sacramento Kings for a 105-92 victory at ARCO Arena.
Watson was 9-of-12 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range for the SuperSonics, who won for the fourth time in their last five games overall. Rookie phenom Kevin Durant paced four other players in double figures with 17 points, while Chris Wilcox scored 15 and pulled down 10 rebounds.
The SuperSonics are 5-19 on the road this season. They will host Carlos Boozer and the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at KeyArena.
The Suns are 2-0 against the SuperSonics this season and have won three straight overall in the series.
Seattle has dropped three straight at Phoenix.
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