National Basketball Association

Ellis returns to Warriors after missing 3 games

Published Feb. 20, 2010 3:33 a.m. ET

foxsports

Monta Ellis returned to the Golden State Warriors' lineup Friday night against the Utah Jazz after sitting out three games with a mild left knee sprain.

The NBA's fifth-leading scorer at 26.2 points a game, Ellis had not played since injuring himself late in the fourth quarter against Dallas on Feb. 8. He was examined Tuesday in Alabama by Dr. James Andrews, who confirmed the original diagnosis of a mild left knee sprain. Ellis originally hurt the knee Feb. 8 against Dallas.

Golden State coach Don Nelson didn't expect to limit Ellis' playing time against Utah, but said he'll rest the veteran point guard, who is second in the NBA in minutes played.

``I don't think his injury is going to limit him,'' Nelson said. ``We'll communicate during the game. I don't think anyone has to play 48 (minutes) anymore, especially with 10 guys (on the roster).''

The Warriors went 2-1 in the three games Ellis sat out and averaged 118.6 points, nearly 11 points higher than their season average.

Also, guard Raja Bell made a rare appearance in the Warriors' locker room and said he's still hopeful of playing this season. Bell, who underwent left wrist surgery on Dec. 3, is expected to stay in the Bay Area during the remainder of his rehab.