Claxton 'a whole lot better' after surgery

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Golden State guard Speedy Claxton, recovering from thigh surgery, is expected to be back in the lineup for a Friday game against New Orleans.

The team announced Monday that the three-year veteran had a blood clot removed from his right thigh.

"It feels a whole lot better," Claxton told the San Jose Mercury News.

Claxton, 27, couldn't bend the leg before the procedure was performed. He was injured in a game against Denver Jan. 17 and missed five games.

Claxton, who also has played for Philadelphia and San Antonio, is averaging 12.8 points and 5.9 assists in 37 games.