"As a relative stranger to injuries and their ensuing comebacks, center Andris Biedrins is playing it safe as he works himself back from a sprained left ankle.

"If we were in the playoffs, I'd probably play a lot more and maybe I would come back even faster than I did," Biedrins said after his 17-minute stint in a 118-105 loss to the Clippers in Monday's return.

"But I just want to make sure I will heal and I'll be 100 percent healthy."

Biedrins, who played in all 82 games of the 2006-07 season, missed his only five games of this season after turning his ankle in Phoenix on Feb. 6.

The team went 4-1 without him as backup big men Ronny Turiaf and Anthony Randolph played well.

Warriors coach Don Nelson opted to stick with Turiaf in the starting lineup against the Clippers and use Biedrins for short spurts.

Biedrins had four points, four rebounds and two blocks, but lacked his usual hustle as Clippers center Zach Randolph dominated the post.

"I didn't think he was very active and I didn't like the way he looked on it, so I was careful with him," Nelson said. "But with two days off, next game I expect him to be ready to go."

Added Biedrins: "It was still a little bit weak, but otherwise, it was good. Just need to build the strength up.""