Suns and Warriors Preview: Snubbed Monta Ellis Faces All-Star Steve Nash

Oracle Arena will host a shootout tonight between the visiting Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The game is sure to be a dazzling display of high-octane offense and negligent defense. 

Monta Ellis: Keep an eye on Ellis for a repeat of last night’s explosive performance against the Houston Rockets. He scored an efficient 33 points on only 23 attempts while dishing seven assists. Expect a motivated Ellis as he faces the Suns. Some consider Steve Nash’s All-Star selection a snub for speedy guard Ellis, who has not yet acquired the honor in his seven-year career. Ellis will look to carry his offensive momentum into tonight’s game and prove to the league that he is deserving of an All-Star appearance.

Ellis may struggle defensively; his defensive assignments Jared Dudley and Grant Hill are taller than Ellis by four and five inches, respectively. Grant Hill has frequently posted up the smaller Ellis whenever matched up.

Point Guards: More important to the outcome of tonight’s game is the matchup between point guards Stephen Curry and Nash. The two have very similar play styles; they share excellent vision, ball-handling ability and a beautiful shooting touch. I've heard Warrior fans frequently tout Nash as Curry's "player ceiling." They both have excellent career three point (43 percent) and free throw shooting (90 percent).

At the age of 38, Nash is as productive as ever. This season, he is averaging 14.6 PPG and 10.3 APG while only playing 31.4 minutes per game. The 23-year-old Curry can definitely learn a thing or two from this wily veteran.

Channing Frye: Forward Frye is the wild card for tonight’s game. His performance will determine which Warriors will log heavy minutes. Frye has shot a blistering 60.5 percent from downtown against the Warriors. Power forward David Lee will have a tough time defending Fyre on the perimeter, especially after logging 42 minutes in last night's victory. Look for the Warriors to go small, shifting Lee to the five to defend Marcin Gortat.

Energy: The Warriors are on the tail end of a back-to-back and the starters logged heavy minutes last night. The bench, nicknamed the "Dubstitutes," will have to play well while the starters rest their tired legs. The Dubstitutes have played well at home and always bring hustle and defensive energy.

The visiting Suns will definitely bring their best tonight. They begin a tough scheduling stretch, playing four games in five nights. The Warriors are their easiest opponent this week and should capitalize on the weak defense.

Expect a high-scoring, close game. With the Warriors playing well in recent games and Oracle Arena backing them, I predict a Warriors win!