Rodney Rogers was suited up and said he could have played in Thursday's improbable 96-91 loss to the New York Knicks, but coach Scott Skiles elected to play it safe with him, according to the Arizona Republic.

But with the Knicks' Kurt Thomas having his way with Bo Outlaw en route to a 27-point, 10-rebound night, Rogers' absence meant a cure wasn't available.

"I could have played, but I guess he decided not to use me," Rogers said. "I was sitting there ready for him. I understand, though. My ankle is still very tender, and he just thought it would be wise not to risk hurting it more."

Suns forward Shawn Marion had trouble lighting the fire against the Knicks, although he did finish with 17 points and eight rebounds. Midway through the first half, with the Suns en route to an 18-point halftime lead, Marion was forced to the bench, where trainers treated him for neck pain.

"I didn't get hit or anything, but it was really sore and it's not any better right now," Marion said after the game.

Skiles also said he doesn't expect forward Tom Gugliotta, who missed his eighth game with tendinitis in his left quadriceps, to play again in the final game of the three-game road trip at Washington.