Monta Ellis on a day-to-day status with a lower back strain
Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis had an awkward fall in their game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday 8 November and was feared to have a broken back, but the good news is that
the injury wasn’t serious.
Ellis already has rejoined his team in New York after having his back examined in Toronto and is currently listed on a day-to-day status with a lower back strain in their game against the
Knicks on Wednesday 10 November.
According to general manager Larry Riley, they thought that their primary scoring option sustained a serious injury, but their team doctors confirmed that it was not as serious as it looked
after the bad fall.
“We got good news,” Riley said. “Tests didn't show anything to be concerned about. So now it's how well can he manage the stiffness and soreness that is going to accompany something like
this.”
Riley also added that Ellis has talked to him and the 25-year-old guard told him that he can play through the injury. However, Riley declined to confirm whether they will let him play or
just rest him to be in full shape in their showdown with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday 11 November.
“We really do mean day-to-day,” said Riley. “Since there is no structural damage, if the doctors are OK with it and he feels like he can play, I imagine we will let him play whenever that
day comes. As long as doctors don't have any reservations, it's up to the player.”
Ellis, who missed the team’s practice on Tuesday 9 November, scored 28 points before falling awkwardly after taking a hit from Amir Johnson and DeMar DeRozan on his layup attempt with 1:22
left in the game. He stayed on the floor and grimaced in pain, although at first, the rest of the team didn’t thought that he was hurt.
“We see him go down an awful lot,” Riley said. “He goes hard to the basket and takes some hits, but he always gets up. When he doesn't get up, it begins to really concern you.”
Without him in the final minute of the game, the Warriors managed to hold on, 109-102, for their fifth win in their first seven games this season.
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