Injury, misfortune will test Warriors' guard depth

The Warriors could get point guard Stephen Curry back from a right ankle sprain for tonight's game against Philadelphia, but they don't expect to have shooting guard Monta Ellis, who returned to Mississippi for his grandmother's funeral.

It's possible that neither member of the vibrant backcourt will play, to which the Warriors say, "No worries."

They feel as though they're in good hands and have the depth to maintain momentum from impressive victories over Chicago and New York. It was an Ish Smith-Brandon Rush backcourt that led the Warriors' comeback against the Knicks on Wednesday, and coach Mark Jackson said Friday that rookie Klay Thompson is "due for a breakout performance."

Smith started in Curry's place against New York, scoring seven of the team's first 10 points. Meantime, the Warriors outscored the Knicks by 10 when Ellis was sitting during the first three quarters, before the scoring dynamo righted his game for 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting and six assists in the fourth quarter.

Jackson said Thompson or Rush could start for Ellis at Oracle Arena tonight. Thompson played only 7 1/2 minutes against the Knicks and is averaging 3.0 points a game on 25 percent shooting. Rush had 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots against New York.

"Klay Thompson has struggled at times, but I have confidence in him and I'm going to keep on going to him," Jackson said. "I believe in Klay Thompson and his ability. With young players, you have to expect and handle the bumps and bruises along the way. It's a learning process, and I'm not going to let go of the rope."

The Warriors' guard play will be significant against the 76ers, a team that likes to push the tempo and score in transition. Their backcourt includes emerging point guard Jrue Holiday, three-point threat Jodie Meeks, do-everything swingman Andre Iguodala and momentum-changing sub Lou Williams.

"Whatever hand we're dealt, we'll play the cards," Jackson said. "Whether we're without Steph, Monta or whoever, the bottom line is: We have guys who are more than capable of stepping up.

"Our identity remains the same. We've got to find a way to go get it done."

After missing out on prized free-agent centers Tyson Chandler and DeAndre Jordan this month, the Warriors focused on signing role players who could trim minutes from Curry and Ellis' workload during the condensed, 66-game schedule. They just didn't know they'd be relying on the reserves this much, this soon.

Curry was able to do pre- and post-practice work Friday but didn't participate in contact drills. Ellis was excused from practice.

"Family is first," Jackson said. "We want to let him take as much time as possible or as much time as he needs to take care of home. Obviously, this is someone he loved dearly, and this is tough."

Mary Cole died at 89 on Christmas morning. Ellis flew to Mississippi to be with his family, and the Warriors said the funeral is scheduled for today.

Curry has had four days for his ankle to heal from a second sprain this month. He had surgery in May in hopes of strengthening the ankle, which endured at least three severe sprains last season and caused him to miss a portion of the exhibition season and eight regular-season games.

"There's a little bit of pressure to get back, but, either way, we still have the bigger picture in mind when it comes to my injury," Curry said. "Obviously, Monta and his family are of the utmost importance right now. It's a big game, and we've got a lot of momentum going, but I'm not going to force it just because he's not here. I am working pretty hard to get back, so one of us is out there.

"Either way, I think our team is ready to take that challenge."

Curry used Thursday's off day to fly to the Nike laboratory in Beaverton, Ore. He had his foot and shoes analyzed for fit and figured out that his ankle naturally rolls to the outside, which is how each sprain has occurred.

As he waits for the complete analysis, Curry has decided to switch from the Nike Hyperdunks to the Nike Hyperbraves, a shoe that he says fits lower and wider on his foot. The Warriors' medical staff is taping Curry's ankle a little looser so as not to affect his movement or shooting mechanics.

This article appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle