Suns forward Boris Diaw missed his third straight game with back spasms that have lasted two weeks and he is already a scratch for tonight?s game with the Celtics.

?This is the longest I?ve ever had something like this,? said Diaw. ?Sometimes I feel like I?m getting better, then I?ll just make a move laying down and it comes back.?

Diaw was replaced in the starting lineup by Kurt Thomas, but the Suns want to get their ?seven starters? back on the floor for the first time in more than a month as soon as possible.

?I guess we?ll hope for Friday,? coach Mike D?Antoni said. ?It?s too bad, because we need him. He?s an important part of what we do.?