Suns Vs. Celtics: Boston Seeks Payback As Channing Frye’s Rampage Continues

When the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics last met, things got weird. The Suns killed the Celtics, and Kevin Garnett tapped Channing Frye in the groin on a jumper. Anger was expressed, The Big Ticket was ejected, jokes were had. But Boston doesn't take defeat with a laugh, and there's little question that Garnett and the Celtics will be eager to express their payback on the scoreboard as the Suns visit TD Banknorth Garden on Wednesday (7:30 PM Eastern, local TV and League Pass).

The Celtics enter March winners of two straight, having defeated the Clippers and Jazz on the road to finish the team's four-game post-All-Star road trip 3-1. Boston maintains a one-game lead on the Miami Heat for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but is in a dead heat with the Dallas Mavericks for the second-best record in the NBA overall.

The Suns, meanwhile, are merely hoping to catch up with a playoff spot. The Suns have won two straight road games on two straight Channing Frye game-winning jumpers. Phoenix actually has one fewer loss than the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies, but three fewer wins. The Portland Trail Blazers are also just a game ahead of Phoenix for the No. 7 seed, and the Nuggets and Hornets are right ahead of the Blazers, meaning that a few games might be the difference between the No. 5 seed in the West and the lottery. The Suns aren't expected to beat teams like the Celtics, but a victory would be a huge boon.