Nash sat out Phoenix's 101-89 win over Memphis on Tuesday night, but his injury isn't likely to keep him out of the lineup much longer.

The two-time MVP missed only his fourth game of the season, and the first with back problems. He missed one game in 2007-08.

Los Angeles (8-23) went 23-59 that season, with Elton Brand (Achilles') being limited to eight games and Chris Kaman (shin, back) playing 56. Brand is now missing time with Philadelphia due to a dislocated shoulder, but the Clippers continue to be injury-riddled.

Kaman has been out since late November due to a strained arch in his left foot, fellow big man Zach Randolph has missed three straight games with a bruised left knee and guard Mike Taylor will be out at least six weeks with a broken right thumb.

Those injuries leave the Clippers in a tough position as they try to snap a five-game losing streak. Facing a veteran Suns team won't help.

With Nash out, Phoenix (18-12) got a vintage game from Shaquille O'Neal versus the Grizzlies. He had 24 points to move into eighth place on the NBA scoring list.

"All you've got to do is throw it in to the most consistent big man in the history of the game," O'Neal said with a smile. "I'm proven."

O'Neal had 13 rebounds and three blocks, and his fourth-quarter dunk moved him past Oscar Robertson on the career scoring list with 26,711 points. O'Neal was 8-of-13 from the field and missed only two of his 10 free throws.

"I can remember growing up, my father bragging about Big Oscar," the veteran center said. "For me, it's a credit to my parents for raising me well, and a credit to me for just working hard and playing hard.

"I'm really upset with myself. I've missed about 5,000 free throws. If I had only made half of those, I'd probably be No. 3 right now."

Next on the career scoring list for O'Neal is Hakeem Olajuwon, who has 26,946 points.

In the backcourt, Leandro Barbosa got his second start of the season with Nash ailing, and he responded with a game-high 28 points.

Phoenix also overcame the loss of big man Amare Stoudemire, ejected in the second quarter after his second technical.

Stoudemire averaged 29.0 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 65.7 percent in helping the Suns win three of four games against the Clippers last season.

Los Angeles forward Al Thornton averaged 7.0 points and shot 39.3 percent versus the Suns as a rookie last season. But Thornton, the 14th overall pick in 2007, has developed nicely, and is scoring 16.6 per game.

Thornton had 24 points against Philadelphia on Wednesday night, but the Clippers lost 100-92. Thornton had two of Los Angeles' 18 turnovers, which led to 25 points for the 76ers.