Richardson’s return should help Warriors down the stretch

02.21.2007

(Basketball News) - The Golden State Warriors are just 25-29 and are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for third place in the Pacific Division, 15 1/2 games behind the division-leading Phoenix Suns.

Golden State, the Clippers and New Orleans/Oklahoma City are just one-half game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The last time the Warriors earned a playoff berth was in 1994.

The Warriors play their first game back from the All-Star break, as they welcome the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday to ORACLE Arena. It is the second of four meetings this season between the squads. On January 3rd, Mike Miller poured in 33 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers as the Grizzlies picked up a 144-135 win over the Warriors at the FedExForum.

The Grizzlies have won four of their last five at Golden State. Memphis has won five in a row in the series. Golden State will host the Grizzlies on April 1st at ORACLE Arena, while Memphis will welcome the Warriors on April 6th to FedExForum.

Golden State went into the break on a winning note. On February 14th, Stephen Jackson tied a season-high with 36 points and dished out eight assists as the Warriors pounded the New York Knicks, 120-101, at ORACLE Arena.

Monta Ellis had 23 points and seven assists in the win over the Knicks for Golden State, while Al Harrington added 17 points, nine boards and six assists for the Warriors, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Kelenna Azubuike netted 15 and grabbed seven boards in the victory.

Guard Baron Davis (arthroscopic left knee surgery) is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-March. He leads the Warriors in scoring (20.7 ppg) and assists (8.7 apg).

High-flying Jason Richardson (broken bone in right hand) is probable for Wednesday’s contest. Richardson is averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 23 games this season. He last played on December 30th and has missed 22 straight contests.

Andris Biedrins, who is averaging 10.2 points per contest, has grabbed a team- best 9.6 rebounds per game for Golden State.

The Warriors are a solid 19-9 at home this season. They are scheduled to visit the Clippers on Saturday at the Staples Center. Golden State is 1-1 versus the Clippers this season.

Golden State has scored over 100 points in four straight and 12 of their last 16 games overall.

GSW

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