Minnesota Timberwolves Nikola Pekovic Walking, Return Questionable
By Sarita Kelly
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Nikola Pekovic is out of the walking boot that he’s been wearing for the last week because of the bursitis that he was diagnosed with on January 28th. But when Pekovic returns to the court still remains to be seen.
Coach Rick Adelman said after practice on Monday he has “no idea” when to expect Pekovic back in the lineup. Adelman said previously that team doctors were waiting until the boot was removed before reevaluating him.
Jan 18, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) drives to the basket past Utah Jazz center Derrick Favors (15) in the second half at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 98-72. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s just waiting for them to tell me what’s gonna happen,” Adelman said. “I don’t anticipate any timeline at all.”
Since no one is wants’ to set a for sure date on Pekovic’s return, it is highly likely that he won’t be back for the All-Star break next week. The Wolves (23-24) have six games remaining before a week long layoff.
Kevin Love has done what he can to pick up the slack of his teammate being out. He has posted at least 28 points and 14 rebounds with Pekovic inactive, including a 43-19 outing at Atlanta. But it hasn’t been enough and the Wolves continue to struggle to close out games.
“It’s a lot of rebounds out there, a lot of shots that he would take,” Love said of Pekovic, who was averaging 18 points and 9.1 rebounds when he went out. “I have to kind take the onus on now. I try to pick it up as much as I can, but it’s tough without my boy out there.”