"The Warriors may have to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night without star guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.

Neither practiced Friday. Ellis went to Mississippi to be with his family in advance of his grandmother's funeral Saturday. Curry was limited to pre-practice drills because of a sprained right ankle.

"We'll play the cards," coach Mark Jackson said. "Whether it's without Steph or without Monta or whoever it is, 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 get it done."

Ellis grandmother, Mary Cole, died on Christmas Day. She was 89. Ellis played the first three games with a heavy heart. He left for Jackson, Miss., on Thursday and his return is uncertain.

It's possible Ellis could attend the funeral and fly back in time for the game, though Saturday's 6 p.m. start increases the degree of difficulty.

Jackson said he's preparing as if Ellis will not play.

"Family is first," Jackson said. "He lost a grandmother who he loves dearly, and we want him to take as much time that he needs to take care of home.""