MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kevin Love was a surprise activation for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets.

Love hasn't played this season after breaking his right hand during the exhibition season. The initial timetable was six to eight weeks to recover. But he was able to return to the lineup just over four weeks after he was injured.

Love is the team's leading scorer and rebounder and the short-handed Timberwolves badly need him back in the lineup. They also got center Nikola Pekovic back from a sprained left ankle and point guard JJ Barea back from a sprained left foot.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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