"Warriors forward David Lee has now missed six consecutive games. But when talking about the infected left elbow that's kept him out, Lee expressed mostly relief.

"They were giving me strong stuff and nothing was helping," Lee said before Monday's game vs. Denver. "They were telling me 'If we don't get this thing better soon, we're cutting your arm from (biceps) to (forearm), filleting the whole thing open. And we may have to cut out your biceps muscle and forearm muscle and see what's going on and how things are progressing.'

"The fact that it could be limited to a two-week situation, a two-and-a-half week deal, is a real blessing from a medical standpoint. I'm just happy we were able to figure it out."

Eventually, doctors found the right antibiotic and Lee's left elbow began healing almost immediately. Lee said he is hoping to return to action next week, either for the home game against San Antonio on Nov. 30 or the game at Phoenix on Dec. 2. But Lee didn't rule out joining the Warriors at the end of the three-game road trip that starts Wednesday in Houston. He said that is a "best-case scenario."

Lee's left arm is heavily wrapped. In his right biceps is an IV contraption. He has to take antibiotics four times a day. Instead of having to use a needle himself, he had the IV hookup put into his arm so all he has to do is strap it to the machine."