Injury Update: Steve Nash

Steve Nash missed a third straight practice as he continues to heal from a hamstring/hip injury.

Nash has been absent from the lineup for nearly three games because of a strained hamstring/hip strain. He played the first two minutes at Sacramento before having to exit.

When asked about his status for Sunday’s game, coach Mike D’Antoni said: “I don’t think he’s going to go tomorrow. We’re shooting for Tuesday hopefully.”

Steve Blake started against Dallas and Memphis, and received the bulk of the minutes at Sacramento once Nash went down. In his last three games, Blake is averaging 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent from the 3-point line.

Kobe Bryant has carried a heavier load more recently, playing in nearly 45 minutes a game during this stretch. He posted 24 points, nine assists and five boards in 42 minutes against Memphis, after playing all but 79 seconds in the previous two games. The 16-year veteran is averaging 22.0 points, 11.3 assists and 8.3 rebounds over his last three.