Ellis was unavailable for comment about his return, though he had continuously told the local media, "When that time comes, I'll let y'all know." The team made the announcement on its Web site after practice.

Warriors coach Don Nelson said Ellis would start tonight and that he, Nelson, hadn't decided whether he would restrict Ellis' minutes. Nelson also said he approved of the decision to activate Ellis.

This day is long overdue for Ellis, according to Warriors insiders. A team source said Ellis deemed himself ready for action some time ago and was unhappy the team held him back. He's had two target dates already nixed by Golden State, according to the source. He came to the arena on Monday expecting to play against Washington but was rebuffed.

Nelson previously had said neither he nor Ellis would make the call on his return. Ellis was asked after Tuesday's practice who would make the call for his return and said, "I don't know who it's up to."

Ellis' agent, Jeff Fried, met with the Warriors' brass, including team president Robert Rowell, on Wednesday. According to a different team source, the topic of discussion was Ellis' return when it would be and how it would be handled.

"We appreciate his willingness and dedication to get back on the court in a timely fashion," general manager Larry Riley said. "We never questioned his desire and were extremely pleased with his relentless approach to the rehabilitation process. We simply wanted to make certain that we were cautious and prudent in our approach."

Tonight's game was pegged for his return following Thursday's practice during a meeting with Rowell, Mullin, Ellis and members of the team's medical staff, according to a team official.

Ellis hasn't played since last season. He signed a six-year, $66 million deal in late July. A month later, he tore the deltoid ligament in his left ankle, forcing him to have ankle surgery. He initially told the team he hurt it while working out in Jackson, Miss., but later confessed to the Warriors that he lied and hurt it while participating in an activity prohibited in his contract. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that he hurt himself while riding a moped.

On Oct. 11, Rowell announced the team's 30-game suspension of Ellis "for violating Paragraph 12 of the Uniform Player Contract." The suspension, which ended after the Dec. 17 game against Indiana, cost Ellis some $3 million.

Ellis had the screws removed from his ankle on Nov. 19 in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. Angus McBryde. On Jan. 7, Ellis was cleared by Warriors team physician John Belzer to begin strenuous activity. Two days later, he participated lightly in practice and Jan. 13 he practiced full throttle. Thursday marked his sixth practice.

Notes: Former Warriors point guard Baron Davis said he won't be playing when his Los Angeles Clippers visit the Warriors on Sunday. He won't be recovered from his hamstring injury in time. "Unfortunately," Davis told the Los Angeles Times, "but we go there another time (March 17)." ... Swingman Stephen Jackson was given the day off from practice. ... The final All-Star vote tally was released by the league. Guard Jamal Crawford got the most votes on the Warriors' roster. He finished with 665,038 votes, sixth among Western conference guards.

Contact Marcus Thompson II at mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.comTODAy: vs. Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. TV: CSNBA. Radio: 680-AM