Phoenix @ Memphis preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 26, 2017 ) Memphis 97, Phoenix 99

The Memphis Grizzlies will try to finish their four-game homestand with a .500 mark when they host the Phoenix Suns on Monday. After taking the opener of the homestand, the Grizzlies have dropped two in a row to match their longest losing streak since before Christmas.

Six Memphis players scored at least 12 points and the squad posted 31 assists on 39 baskets but couldn't make enough stops and turned the ball over 20 times in a 109-100 loss to Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. "We need to continue to be unselfish with the ball, continue to assist our teammates," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters, "but we have to be sure with our passes. Be sure that we're completing our passes to our teammates." The Grizzlies suffered a pair of two-point losses at Phoenix in six-day span last month, part of what was a 6-3 stretch for the Suns. Phoenix has reversed course with nine losses in its last 11 games, including Sunday's 113-102 setback at Houston.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), FS Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE SUNS (17-33): Devin Booker led the way with 31 points and 10 assists in the loss to the Rockets, scoring 21 after the break to keep it respectable. "He was more comfortable, obviously, in his role tonight at the point guard spot," interim head coach Jay Triano told reporters. "Scoring and finding ways to be aggressive and also setting up plays for other people." Phoenix might have made it much more interesting if not for the 0-for-13 shooting effort by rookie Josh Jackson.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (17-31): Memphis will be playing its first game since it announced that point guard Mike Conley, who had been sidelined with a heel issue since Nov. 13, will have surgery and miss the remainder of the season. Tyreke Evans has done an admirable job filling in for Conley but he has missed the last two games with an illness and is questionable for Monday. Veteran center Marc Gasol recorded his fourth career triple-double - first this season - in the loss to the Clippers while tying his season high with five blocked shots.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies PF Ivan Rabb is shooting 74.1 percent in 10 games this season.

2. Booker scored 32 points in a 99-97 win over Memphis on Dec. 26 in his return from a nine-game layoff.

3. Suns SF T.J. Warren has scored at least 20 points in four of five contests since a two-game layoff due to a back injury.

PREDICTION: Grizzlies 103, Suns 100