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Updated Nov 28, 2009 6:30 AM ET
     
 
Just in time for the Lakers , the Warriors' health care plan is starting to show some results. Three of the team's injured players - Corey Maggette, Devean George and, perhaps most important, Ronny Turiaf - practiced Friday, and acting coach Keith Smart confirmed that Turiaf will come off the bench against the defending champions tonight at Oracle Arena. In addition, head coach Don Nelson is on the mend after a bout of pneumonia. A team spokesman said Nelson tested negative for swine flu. He will rejoin the team after Tuesday's game in Denver; doctors advised that the team's late arrival into Denver, 4 a.m. or so after playing at home Monday night, made that a less-than-ideal return date. "He's doing much better, but that's a couple of quick games with a big turnaround," Smart said. Smart said that Nelson was the first person offering critiques this week of the team's games in Texas and of Smart. Asked what that might have consisted of, Smart smiled and said, "I didn't get called into the principal's office, let's put it that way." Several times, Smart mentioned the Warriors' improved chemistry of late, so the trick tonight will be to maintain the good vibes that Golden State has found while also working in the newly healthy players. The team has been playing extremely short-handed, especially lacking size, so the return of the 6-foot-10 Turiaf is, well, big for the Warriors. He's been out since the end of October with a sprained knee, and he's getting back just in time to face his former team. "That's huge," Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. "Ronny gives us a lot of energy and presence ... And you know he'll be a little more fired up than usual." The Lakers already have the edge in size, and Turiaf is Golden State's best shot-blocker and among the team's better rebounders. Los Angeles is the league's top team when it comes to rebounding, and the Warriors are the worst. Maggette missed Tuesday's game in Dallas after missing two practices with a hamstring injury, and the Warriors then beat the Mavericks using just six players. Maggette played Wednesday against San Antonio and he was a participant in Friday's practice, as was George. Another former Laker , George has been out with a sore left knee all season. Smart did not go so far as to say everyone who took part in Friday's practice will get minutes tonight. They'll be re-evaluated today before getting the green light. "We need the extra bodies," Curry said, "especially the bigger bodies, instead of four guys 6-foot-6 and under. Hopefully, we'll keep the same chemistry and keep playing at the same level." Warriors tonight 11-3 vs. Warriors 5-9 Oracle Arena 7:30 p.m.CSNBA / 680
Tagged: Clippers, Warriors, Ronny Turiaf, Lakers, Corey Maggette

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