National Basketball Association

Warriors' Ellis recovering from flu

Published Jan. 11, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Monta Ellis is recovering from flulike symptoms and will be a game-time decision against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Warriors coach Keith Smart said Tuesday that Ellis needed intravenous fluids a day earlier. Ellis, who also missed practice Monday, was at the team's training facility but remained in the locker room.

Smart was cautiously optimistic his leading scorer would be available to face Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

''I think once the game starts with the preparation mentally, he'll be ready to play,'' Smart said. ''I also think he likes playing against Kobe. It's still going to come down with how much strength he has.''

Ellis is averaging 25 points and five assists this season. He has started all 37 games.

Golden State (15-22) will need Ellis in peak form to have any chance to make a postseason push during a key stretch. The Warriors are looking to get back into playoff contention with a heavy dose of home games over the next month, including 14 of their next 15 at home.

''We need him to be ready to play at a high level every night for us, but especially these kinds of games like this, he needs to be up and ready,'' Smart said.