Troy

Murphy

He’s only hit four of his last 20 attempts from the floor and said “I can’t even grip the ball.” It’s amazing that he’s played through this injury.

We still don’t know whether this was just to ease Murphy back in (his 20 rebounds last night show he doesn’t need much easing), or whether it’s something Monty will stick with. Murphy did play some center during the game, but Adonal Foyle had a nice game as well, and for now the Warriors will still be sorting this out.

Adonal Foyle is also expected to make his preseason debut Friday. Murphy is an interesting middle-round pick this year since he should be capable of averaging a double-double in scoring and rebounds, and is said to have developed a long-range shot in the offseason.

''It’s one thing to guard somebody at 17, 18 feet,’' Murphy said, ''but it’s another to guard them at 22, 23 feet.’' Murphy’s value was already on the rise as one of only five players to average a double-double in points and rebounds last season. He was just 3-of-14 from downtown last season, but will look to take more long range shots this year.

Both players are day-to-day.

Cliff Robinson will start in Murphy’s place in the season opener and wouldn’t be a bad option in fantasy leagues for the first week or two.

Murphy is day-to-day.

Coach Eric Musselman said that Murphy was on a ''pitch count.’' He’s expected to supplant Cliff Robinson in the starting lineup sometime after the holidays.

Murphy was in Los Angeles Friday having the inflammation in his right ankle checked out by Dr. Robert Chandler. Results of the examination were not available.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Murphy -- coach Eric Musselman was prepared to return him to the starting lineup yesterday before he hurt his ankle.