Timberwolves Vs. Hornets Final Score: New Orleans Takes Down Ricky Rubio-less Minnesota

So far, not so good for the Timberwolves in the absence of rookie sensation Ricky Rubio, who was diagnosed earlier Saturday with a torn ACL and will be out for the rest of the season. The Timberwolves fell 95-89 to the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night, the only team in the Western Conference with single digit wins entering the day.

Rubio's replacement in the starting lineup - Luke Ridnour - posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists, and Kevin Love starred with 31 points and 16 rebounds for the Wolves, but it wasn't enough to overcome Chris Kaman (20 points, 6 rebounds) and the rest of his Hornets squad.

The loss pushes Minnesota a game and a half back of Houston for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They will next play on Monday night at Phoenix.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Timberwolves Vs. Hornets Score Update: New Orleans Up At Half

In their first game since learning of the news that point guard Ricky Rubio has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a slow start and down 49-44 to the lowly New Orleans Hornets at halftime.

Luke Ridnour started in Rubio's place and has five points and four assists through 24 minutes, and Kevin Love has yet another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds already. The Wolves continued their season-long struggles from deep range, shooting just 20 percent from beyond the arc in the first half.

Chris Kaman, the subject of many trade rumors leading up to Thursday's deadline, has 12 points and eight rebounds to lead the Hornets. New Orleans has won just five of its 21 road contests thus far this season.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.

Hornets Vs. Timberwolves: Minnesota Looks For Win Without Rubio

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page.