The Suns aren't that deep: there are only 7 players on their roster who average more than 15 MPG, along with Jumaine Jones, who played well against Dallas on Thursday. There are a couple more good shooters on the bench (James Jones, Jalen, Pike), but D'Antoni doesn't trust them.

If Rasheed's ankles are still sore, I'd like to see Maxiell get the start against Amare, with Tayshaun on Diaw and Nazr on Marion. Blalock should get his chance - he won't be worse defensively than anyone else against Nash, and he should be able to get wherever he wants on the other end.

Rebounding's important; the Suns are actually a decent defensive team on the first shot but with their size and leaky boxouts are vulnerable to second shots.