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Everyone is anxiously awaiting the return of Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (knee), but we will all have to wait at least another few days because the Wolves officially ruled out Rubio for Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko (back spasms) will be a game-time decision:
Injury update: Ricky Rubio will not play tonight. Kirilenko is a gametime decision. #Twolves
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) December 7, 2012
Kirilenko has not played since Nov. 27, and he did not travel with the team on the recent two-game road trip, but he could be set to return now that Minnesota is back home for games against the Cavs on Friday and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves snapped a five-game losing streak last Tuesday , and since then they have managed to go 3-2. Their 8-9 mark puts them at No. 11 in the Western Conference, but they have been dealing with injuries to star players and the decent start should be considered a small victory for a team with playoff aspirations.
After dealing with Cleveland on Friday, the Wolves will take on the Nuggets, Hornets, Mavericks and Magic.