Milwaukee, WI (My Sportsbook) - Gary Payton will aim to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first home win since last week's blockbuster trade this evening, when they host the struggling Phoenix Suns.

In Payton's home debut in Milwaukee, the Bucks dropped a 117-114 decision to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. The Glove led five Bucks in double figures with 21 points and nine assists, while Michael Redd added 19 points in the loss.

Sam Cassell chipped in 18 points, Toni Kukoc added 16 points, Tim Thomas tacked on 15 points and Desmond Mason dropped in 14 points. The Bucks shot 48 percent from the field.

"I think we all know we've got to play a little better defense than what we're doing," Payton said. "We play better defense we win this basketball game."

The Bucks couldn't slow down Minnesota's offensive juggernaut, allowing it to hit 54.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. Milwaukee was also outrebounded, 44-34, in the losing effort.

Milwaukee has won just once in its last six games and resides in a tie with Orlando for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are a mere game ahead of Washington for the ninth slot in the East.

Phoenix has lost four in a row to slip into a tie for eighth place with Houston in the Western Conference playoff race. The Suns suffered a terrible defeat, 90-87, on Monday night in Chicago.

Amare Stoudemire was one of the few bright spots for the Suns with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Shawn Marion added 18 points and eight boards. Joe Johnson netted 16 points and Dan Langhi dropped in 10 points.

The Suns are just 4-6 in their last 10 games overall and 0-3 on their current four-game road trip. Phoenix is just 9-20 on the road this season, while the Bucks are only 16-13 at home.

Phoenix has dominated the Bucks in recent years, winning six straight meetings. The Suns have won 10-of-11 and 21 of the last 23 meetings overall. Phoenix has won two straight and four of last five at Milwaukee.