Could Rubio Return Early?

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.