The Timberwolves surprisingly welcomed top scorer and rebounder Kevin Love back Wednesday against Denver from a broken right shooting hand and may welcome back Ricky Rubio back early too.  The Timberwolves have never listed a timetable for Rubio's return but Rubio has been practicing with the team and is showing improvement on his surgically repaired left knee.

Speculation had Rubio's return set for mid-December at the earliest but based on his participation in practice he could return earlier.  The Wolves are fighting through a 5-game losing streak and are 5-7.  Minnesota is 0-3 since Kevin Love returned.  The Wolves play at Sacramento Tuesday night.  Rubio isn't expected to play but Love wasn't expected to play last Wednesday night.

More From 1390 Granite City Sports