CLIPPERS VS. PHOENIX.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Sports Arena.

TV/RADIO: Channel 9; KGIL (540, 1260).

Clippers (26-34) update: This is a huge game for the Suns, who are three games back and gaining fast on L.A. and could ruin their chances for a playoff spot. This the first of two meetings with Phoenix in five days and the key could be the play of Darrick Martin and Malik Sealy vs. the tandem of Jason Kidd and Kevin Johnson. The Clippers have lost five of six games - the losses were by a combined 19 points. The key now is to win the next stretch of games with Phoenix, the Lakers and Portland before a seven-game road trip in late March. Loy Vaught (14.9 ppg) had his streak of consecutive games with 20 points snapped at seven Tuesday night at Portland.

Suns (24-38) update: Phoenix thought it had things together, but an awful home loss to Toronto has ignited doubts that this team can make a run. Kidd (10.2 ppg, 8.7 apg) has moved Johnson to shooting guard, which has given the veteran more shooting freedom. The Suns begin a five-game stretch against teams with losing records.