"The Warriors will be without two starters — guard Monta Ellis and center Andris Biedrins — when they start a five-game road trip tonight in Miami.

They will get some help. NBA Development League star Reggie Williams is expected to sign a 10-day contract today. Still, the absence of Ellis and Biedrins will leave the Warriors with eight players in uniform for the 27th time this season.

Back pain, which kept Ellis out of the lineup in Saturday's home win over Detroit, prevented him from traveling. Ellis had an MRI on Monday in the Bay Area. His status will be determined after doctors review the results — possibly today. Ellis could join the team at some point on the trip.

Biedrins will not join the team on this trip because of a right groin injury. He is scheduled to be examined in Philadelphia on March 8 by Dr. William Meyers, a leading expert in the field of sports hernias and groin injuries. Biedrins' recovery plan and timetable for return will be determined after his examination.

Biedrins suffered the injury in the third quarter of the win over Detroit and did not return. He already missed 24 games between Nov. 8 and Dec. 28 because of a lower-abdominal injury. He recently was criticized publicly by coach Don Nelson for a lack of passion on the court and his hesitation on offense."