Three things to watch

Streaking Suns. The Phoenix Suns are 1.5 games behind the Houston Rockets and, improbably, have jumped into the playoff picture. Phoenix has the second best post-All Star game record (11-4) and is 10-2 in their last 12 games. In this span, Phoenix has scored a blistering 103.1 per game and their two losses were by a combined five points. Despite their advanced age (29.2 years) and failing front office — really, look at how the team is currently constructed and how they couldn’t build a dynasty around Joe Johnson, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Leandro Barbosa and tell me that makes sense with a straight face — Phoenix is playing exceptional (offensive) basketball. While tanking and unloading Nash might be their bet, there has to be something said for a group of veterans playing hard regardless of standing.

Mar. 14, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (13) talks with teammate Marcin Gortat (4) while playing against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Jazz 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE.

Nash-Gortat pick-and-roll. I think Orlando could’ve used this guy unless you believe that Gortat is merely feeding off Nash. Nash is No. 1 in the NBA with 11.2 assists per game and owns an unreal 79.0 assist rate. His perspicacious passing ability and Gortat’s cadence (also see: Splitter, Tiago) on pick-and-rolls forms a legitimate duo. Nash is a threat to score on any spot on the floor making it very difficult to simultaneously contain Gortat. With Nash at the helm, Gortat has made 58.1 percent of his shots (includes 2-pointers, 3-pointers and free throws) and has benefited from an assist 78.9 percent of the time. The Spurs don’t exactly defend pick-and-rolls well and that plays into Gortat’s favor. In his last game against San Antonio, Gortat scored 24 points on 11-of-20 shooting (4-of-6 at the rim) and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Points in the paint. In their last four games, the Spurs have scored 50-plus points in the paint. A cutting Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and proper floor spacing make it very easy for the Spurs to dominate in this regard. Phoenix is 26th in attempts at the rim (25.8 percent of their shots are at the rim) and Gortat is the only Sun that gets to the rim at an above-average rate. They do convert a high percentage of their opportunities, though. It’s just a matter of being more aggressive and not succumbing to the long 2-point jumper. The Spurs will, once again, hold a definitive advantage over a jump shot happy Phoenix team.

Final verdict. Spurs by three. Phoenix is playing well at home, it’s the Spurs fourth game in five nights and I’m genuinely worried about the Nash-Gortat pick-and-roll. I just don’t see Phoenix protecting the rim and playing strong enough defense to contain the vaunted Spurs offense.

– Kawhi Leonard has had a really impressive March. He’s averaged nearly 11 points and 6.1 rebounds in about 27 minutes of action. It’s only been three games but Kawhi hasn’t done anything well against the Mavs. They’ve limited him to five points per game and 36.8 percent shooting.

– Jason Terry has torched the Spurs. He’s averaging 21.3 points, 3.7 assists on 24-47 shooting (.511 FG%). Terry’s deadly midrange game, especially, has hurt the Spurs: He has converted nine shots from 16-23 feet.

– San Antonio has limited Dirk Nowitzki though. Dirk has posted averages of 14.3 points and 38.6 shooting. The Spurs don’t have an elite interior defender that can stretch out to the perimeter but, instead, they combat Dirk’s unique game with tireless effort, help defense and a steady dose of Kawhi.

– Dirk on playing Spurs: “It was a playoff battle. Anytime we see the Spurs it’s a fun game, great atmosphere, both teams really trying to get the win. As expected, it was a physical game.”

– Since February, Tim Duncan has averaged 16.6 points and 10.3 rebounds in 29.2 minutes. Lately we’ve seen a rejuvenated, spry Duncan that is capable of dunking the ball with startling ferocity.

– 24-year-old point guard Rodrigue Beaubois enjoys playing the Spurs. Beaubois poured in 16 points and grabbed eight boards on 8-16 shooting in the Mavericks seven point victory last Friday.

– Mavs injury report: Brendan Haywood (knee) and Delonte West (finger) have been ruled out and Shawn Marion (sore left knee) will play after missing three games. Haywood’s absence will be felt tonight especially in the paint. In three games against the Spurs, Haywood averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds and 2.5 blocks

– Spurs injury report: Matt Bonner (back) is probable, Tiago Splitter (back spasms) upgraded to doubtful, Tony Parker ruled out (hamstring). Parker’s injury seems to be precautionary. The impending back-to-back-to-back probably forced Pop’s hand. It’s also a possibility that he wants to avoid a scenario where he’s sitting Parker, Ginobili and Duncan.

– New Spur: Boris Diaw won’t play tonight but his addition represents another quality addition for the Spurs.