[h1]Golden State Warriors' Monta Ellis is game-time decision against Los Angeles Clippers tonight[/h1]
By Marcus Thompson II
mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com
Posted: 02/09/2010 09:32:11 PM PST
Updated: 02/10/2010 08:46:43 AM PST
Warriorsguard Monta Ellis might play in tonight's game against the Los AngelesClippers, as the MRI on his left knee Tuesday revealed a mild sprain.
Heis listed as questionable but will be evaluated before the game todetermine if he can play. Ellis has missed two of the Warriors' 50games, both last month because of a sprained right ankle.
"He'sthe heart and soul of this team," Warriors guard Anthony Morrow said."You see the work he does night in and night out. It would be tough forus (if he's out)."
Ellis was injured at the 3:48 mark of thefourth quarter of Monday's loss to Dallas. When he landed afterconverting a driving runner, his left foot got caught under him as hefell backward. He spent a few minutes on the ground writhing in painbefore limping off under his own power. He did not return.
Elliswas not available for comment after Tuesday's practice. But afterMonday's game, he said his left knee felt good and "it wasn't as bad asit looked, or I made it seem."
Ellis is averaging 26.2 points and5.4 assists in 41.8 minutes per game. If Ellis is not able to play, theWarriors not only will lose their leader but will be down to sevenhealthy players.
Forward Corey Maggette is out with a dislocatedleft ring finger. Swingman Coby Karl's 10-day contract expired Tuesday,and he was not given a second one. Golden State could have eightplayers if forward Devean George is over his stomach flu, which kepthim out of Monday's game. Forward Vladimir Radmanovic is still nursing a sore right Achilles.