Monta Ellis, the Golden State Warriors shooting guard and leading scorer, will miss the team's New Years Eve game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a recent death in the family.
According to Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times, Ellis' grandmother passed away on Christmas morning and the Warriors guard is still in Mississippi with his family. Her funeral was today and he will be unable to join his teammates in time for the game. He will stay with his family on Saturday before rejoining the Warriors on Sunday in Phoenix in time to play the Suns on Sunday.
Ellis averages 21 points per game and 7.7 assists and the Warriors will have a tough time replacing him against a team that averages just over 100 points per game. Brandon Rush and Klay Thompson will likely fill in for Ellis while he's with his family.
For updates throughout tonight's game, visit Golden State of Mind and Liberty Ballers.