It is officially crunch time for the Phoenix Suns, which means tonight's meeting with the Sacramento Kings is a must-win for Steve Nash and company. This evening's game is scheduled to tip off at 10:00pm ET at the Power Blance Pavilion in California's capitol city. The latest NBA Point Spreads are favoring the Suns, but only by a point; basketball oddsmakers have set the game total at 214.
Phoenix comes into tonight's game with a 36-36 record, a tally that would virtually guarantee it a spot in the Eastern 
Conference playoffs, but, unfortunately for the Suns, they are just another team in the Wild West.
The Suns, presently the 10th seed and four games back of the eighth seeded Grizzlies, have not helped their postseason chances over the past week, going just 1-3 since a March 20th win over the Clippers. Phoenix most recently fell to the Mavericks at home on Sunday night by a score of 83-91.
The Suns were an abysmal 1-for-16 from three point range and 14-for-23 from the charity stripe in the critical setback. Steve Nash was a major contributor to the poor offensive showing, scoring just six points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Sacramento would seem like the perfect place for the Suns to regroup for one final playoff push, but the Kings, despite their woes, are 2-1 against Phoenix this season.
Sacramento, which beat the Suns 113-108 in Phoenix on February 13th, has also played a decent brand of basketball of late, winning four of its last five games, all of which took place on the road.
The Kings latest triumph came on Sunday night when they took out the 76ers 114-111 in overtime at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Seven players scored in double figures for Sacramento, but Marcus Thornton stood out for the 20-52 club, posting 32 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Thornton started in place of Tyreke Evans, who is still working his way back from a foot injury. Evans finished the night with 10 points in 23 minutes of play.
The Kings recent 5-3 run, one of their best of the season, may not be aided by a return home. Sacramento has witnessed its team win just nine times in 36 appearances at the Power Balance Pavilion this season.
Suns vs Kings NBA Point Spreads March 29th, 2011:
Phoenix Suns -1 (-110), Over 214 (-110)
Sacramento Kings +1 (-110), Under 214 (-110)
