Boris Diaw is expected back in the Phoenix starting lineup Wednesday night when the Suns play the Bobcats.

The versatile, 6-foot-8 Frenchman has missed nine games because of back spasms but practiced on Tuesday and pronounced himself ready to return.

"I'm ready to go," he said. "I've been waiting for a month now. I had a little pain, but it's the kind of pain I can play through."