Warriors' Barnes probable to return Monday vs. Hornets

Golden State Warriors fans may not have to wait much longer for Harrison Barnes' long-anticipated return to the lineup.

The fourth-year small forward is listed as probable for Monday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets.

He has not played since Nov. 27, missing his team's last 16 games with a sprained left ankle.

Prior to his injury, the UNC alumnus was averaging 13.4 points (a career high), five rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 30.1 minutes.

Although Barnes and the Warriors failed to reach a contract extension during the offseason, the 6-foot-8 wing remains an integral piece to the Dubs' plans to defend their 2015 NBA championship.

Within the Warriors' revolutionary "small ball" strategy - one which sacrifices size for the ability to stretch the floor with long-range shooting - the 23-year-old has cashed in on 38.9 percent of his 3-point attempts this season.