New Orleans, LA -- (Sports Network) - The Phoenix Suns were without two key components on Wednesday, as neither center Shaquille O'Neal nor point guard Steve Nash were in uniform against the Hornets.

Nash, who missed a game last week because of bruised right thigh, is experiencing flu-like symptoms and did not make the trip to the arena.

The 36-year-old O'Neal, meanwhile, is sitting due to rest as the Suns play again at Dallas on Thursday and the veteran does not usually dress in back-to- back games.

Nash is averaging 15.1 points and 8.1 assists in 16 games this season, while O'Neal is pulling down a team-high 8.5 rebounds to go with 14.9 points in 16 games.

Leandro Barbosa got the start at the point, and rookie Robin Lopez took over at the center position.