Ricky Rubio Eying Return

Ricky Rubio may be suiting up in a Timberwolves uniform again sooner than expected. He's been practicing with the team since early last week and rumor has it the only thing keeping Rubio out now is his lack of conditioning. Rubio tore his ACL last March in a game against the Lakers, a team that right now Minnesota leads by 1.5 games in the Western Conference.

When Rubio went down last season, the Timberwolves playoff hopes seemed to go down with him, finishing the final 25 games 5-20. This season however, Minnesota sits in the eighth spot in the Western Conference at 9-9. They are well within playoff contention, but rank 22nd in the league in points per possession so far this season with Rubio out. This stat should change as Rubio will vastly improve the team's transition game.

Look for Rubio to return to the lineup either tomorrow night against the Nuggets at the Target Center or Friday night in New Orleans against the Hornets (or should I say Pelicans).