Minnesota Timberwolves Nikola Pekovic Injured, Out For At Least 7-10 days

Injuries have plagued Nikola Pekovic‘s career for some time now, and unfortunately the Minnesota Timberwolves center learned Tuesday he’ll miss some time because of them once again.

An MRI performed by TRIA Orthopedics in Bloomington, MN, revealed that Pekovic has bursitis in his right ankle. He’ll be held out of all basketball activities for 7-10 days, after that time he will be re-evaluated.

Jan 24, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) spins towards the hoop against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Pekovic left Monday’s win at Chicago just six minutes in with soreness in his right Achilles tendon and didn’t return. More durable thanks to a new in-season workout regimen that focuses on maintaining muscle. He hasn’t missed one of the Timberwolves’ 44 outings this season – making this longest healthy stretch of his career.

But that has changed, and that conjures up bad memories for Minnesota fans.

In each of his first three NBA campaigns, he sat out at least 17 games. The wear and tear of playing an old-school, physical style in the post wore on Pekovic — calf soreness, muscle strains, etc.

But now, inflammation of the bursa sac — which contains lubricating fluid that helps decrease friction between bones, muscles and tendons — in his right ankle will keep him out of at least the Timberwolves’ next three games. Coach Rick Adelman said the Achilles had been bothering Pekovic throughout the squad’s four-game road trip that concluded Tuesday in Chicago.

According to a team-issued timeline, the soonest Pekovic could return would be next Tuesday at home against the Lakers. Minnesota (22-22) hosts New Orleans on Wednesday and Memphis on Friday before traveling to Atlanta for a Saturday matchup.

Minnesota (22-22) hosts New Orleans on Wednesday and Memphis on Friday before traveling to Atlanta for a Saturday matchup.