Warriors guard Monta Ellis, the NBA's sixth-leading scorer at 25.7 points per game, will return to Golden State's starting lineup Thursday night against Portland after a six-game absence due to a strained lower back, coach Don Nelson said.
Heat forward Michael Beasley has a bruised left thigh and is listed as a game-time decision for Miami's key game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.
Denver coach George Karl stayed at home to receive treatment for cancer and did not make the trip to Minnesota for the Nuggets' game against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Rafer Alston's absence from the Miami Heat took another turn Wednesday, with the team denying that the embattled point guard was told shortly before his sudden departure he would no longer get playing time.