Nicolas Batum (back) is probable to play Friday against the Suns.

Batum (back) is probable to play Friday against the Suns.

Analysis:

Batum is battling a minor back issue, which has kept him out of the last two games. He was very close to playing Wednesday but was pulled from the lineup just before tip-off after his back tightened up in warmups. Barring a similar situation Friday, expect Batum to take the floor. The team has not announced whether he'll start or come off the bench.