Suns notebook: Back spasms might sideline Hill

Suns forward Grant Hill’s back spasms were less of a bother Saturday, but he was held out of practice and is questionable for today’s game against the Chicago Bulls. If he does play, it would be in a reserve role with Boris Diaw starting at his forward spot.

Suns trio long shots as All-Stars this year

Trainer Aaron Nelson doesn’t believe the back problem is related to Hill’s recent appendectomy.

“It started on the first day of the road trip (in Milwaukee) and got worse as we went along. Then (Friday in Cleveland), he tried to finish that layup on the fast break and the torque locked him up.”

Diaw played 40 minutes against the Cavaliers, producing 11 points and dishing out six of his nine assists in the fourth quarter, including the game winner to Marion. As Nash has often pointed out, Diaw can be aggressive and have an impact without scoring.

“He was patient and smart and made the right plays,” D’Antoni said. “He accounted for about 30 points. It was like hockey assists — Steve went to Boris and Boris found the open guy or finished. And his defense is really good right now, too.”

STOUDAMIRE HITS MARKET

ESPN reported that Memphis has reached a verbal agreement to buy out guard Damon Stoudamire and the move will be made official on Monday. Stoudamire will have 48 hours to clear waivers — which he is expected to do —– and then is free to negotiate with any team.

Boston, Phoenix and Toronto are among the teams expected to have interest in the 34-year-old guard, with Boston thought to be the frontrunner. The Suns are still looking for a veteran backup to Steve Nash, but don’t have as much playing time as Boston to offer the former University of Arizona star.

BONUS SHOTS

The Suns are 4-11 when trailing after three quarters this season, but they have rallied in the fourth quarter in two of the last three games (at Milwaukee and Cleveland) to win. …

Marion had only seven points Friday, but he had the game-winning shot and passed Dick Van Arsdale (12,060) for fourth place on the all-time Suns scoring list. Marion (12,065) trails only Walter Davis (15,666), Alvan Adams (13,097) and Kevin Johnson (12,747). … The Suns are 6-0 this season when Raja Bell scores at least 20 points.

Suns at Bulls

When: 11 a.m. today

Where: United Center, Chicago

Radio: KTAR (620 AM)

TV: Fox Sports Net Arizona

Records: Phoenix 31-13; Chicago 17-25

Series History: The Suns lead the all-time series 60-57 and have won 13 of the last 17 games, including six of seven since Steve Nash returned. Phoenix is 21-38 all time in Chicago but is looking for a fourth straight win at United Center. The Suns used a 37-point fourth quarter to pull away for a 112-102 win in Phoenix on Nov. 15. Leandro Barbosa scored 25 points and Grant Hill added 24 while Nash had 15 assists — one fewer than the Bulls had as a team (16).

Scouting report: Suns — Phoenix has a chance to match last month’s four-game Eastern road trip — a 3-1 record with a hiccup at Minnesota — with a win today. Grant Hill (back spasms) didn’t practice Saturday and is questionable. The Suns are 7-0 against the Central Division this season and 3-0 on the road. Phoenix is shooting for a 12th straight game with at least nine 3-pointers, which would tie the longest such streak in league history. Shawn Marion has taken only seven shots in the last two games and has scored in single digits four times in the last 11 games.

Bulls — After inching within striking distance of a playoff spot in the East, the Bulls laid another egg Friday. They shot 37 percent as they were spanked 90-77 at home by Charlotte — a team that was 2-13 on the road. Luol Deng (Achilles tendinitis) remains out of the lineup and Ben Gordon (sprained wrist) will be a game-time decision. Joe Smith had fluid drained from his troublesome knee and Chris Duhon (knee) returned after missing two games with a knee problem but aggravated the injury Friday and both are questionable, as is Thabo Sefolosha (abdominal strain). Other than that, the Bulls are good to go.