Hornets Vs. Timberwolves: Minnesota Looks For Win Without Rubio

For the first time this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-20) will play without point guard Ricky Rubio, when they take on the New Orleans Hornets (9-31) on Saturday night at Target Center.

The sensational rookie from Spain is out for the season with a torn ACL after suffering suffering an injury to his left knee in Minnesota's 105-102 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. An MRI on Saturday confirmed the worst-case scenario.

Rubio's injury overshadows everything for Minnesota, including Kevin Love's own relatively minor injury. Love missed the team's game against the Lakers with back spasms, and his status is not yet determined for the game against New Orleans. Plus, J.J. Barea could also a second straight game with a sprained ankle.

The Timberwolves won the only previous matchup between these teams, an 87-80 decision in New Orleans on Jan. 13. Of course, Rubio (12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) and Love (34 points, 15 rebounds) were instrumental in that win.

New Orleans enters the night on a four-game losing streak, and they are last in the Western Conference with a 9-31 record.

The game is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and will be televised on NBA TV.

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