Suns might have to shoulder load if Nash is out

Basketball Betting Lines

02/08/2007 -

PHOENIX (AP) -Steve Nash might sit out Friday's game against Atlanta because of a sore right shoulder, although he and Suns coach Mike D'Antoni believe the injury poses no long-term problems.

The league's two-time defending MVP did not practice Thursday and was noncommittal on whether he would go against the Hawks.

``I think we'd probably want to err on the side of caution at this point,'' Nash said. ``I've already missed a game and a half. I'd rather miss another one rather than injuring it further and missing more games, so we've got to be careful when we asses it tomorrow night and make sure we're comfortable with it.''

The near-constant spasms that he had experienced in recent days have subsided, he said.

``I'm just trying to treat my shoulder and get the inflammation down,'' Nash said. ``It's a little swollen on the joint. It shouldn't be too long I'm sure.''

Nash first experienced pain in the shoulder when he got out of bed last Thursday. He played through it that night against San Antonio and Saturday against Utah. But the spasms worsened and he sat out the second half of the Blazers' victory at Denver on Monday. He then watched in street clothes as the Suns won at Portland in overtime Tuesday.

``It's just the wear and tear,'' he said.

Nash, who turned 33 Wednesday, has had chronic back problems for years. He is averaging career highs in points (19.3) and assists (11.8) while averaging 35.3 minutes, third most on the team behind Shawn Marion and Raja Bell.

The Hawks are 18-30, but D'Antoni said that has no bearing on whether Nash plays.

``We wouldn't risk him no matter who we play,'' he said. ``We'll work him tomorrow and if he feels no pain, he'll play and if he doesn't he'll wait until Sunday.''

The Suns are home against Chicago on Sunday.

Leandro Barbosa would start in Nash's place. He had 25 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in overtime, against Portland.

Suns reserve forward Kurt Thomas could begin practicing next week and could be ready to play shortly after the All-Star break, D'Antoni said. Thomas has been out since Jan. 15 with an injured left elbow.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

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