Rubio will play, KG won't tonight in Orlando

Starting point guard says he's sore from Tuesday's return at Miami but he's ready and willing to play through it

November 18, 2015 at 11:30PM
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22), forward Kevin Garnett (21) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) congratulate each other as they head to the bench area during a time out in the final seconds of the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, in Miami. The Timberwolves defeated the Heat 103-91. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22), forward Kevin Garnett (21) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) congratulate each other as they head to the bench area during a time out in the final seconds of the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, in Miami. The Timberwolves defeated the Heat 103-91. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Ricky Rubio says he's sore from last night's return in Miami, but will play in tonight's game at Orlando.

Kevin Garnett will not. He is being rested on the second night of back-to-back games again and Adreian Payne will start at his power-forward spot tonight.

"It's sore but it felt good to be back out there, playing and winning," Rubio said about coming back from four games away injured in time for Tuesday's 103-91 victory at Miami.

He said he's on no specific limitations regarding minutes, etc.

"It defends how it goes," he said. "My body is a little sore, but I'm going to be out there helping the team."

He said after Tuesday's game that he's not 100 percent. Asked before Wednesday's game how close he is to being fully healthy, he said, "I don't know. I can't tell. It goes by feeling. I know sometimes it is more mentally when you get hurt: You don't want to get hurt again so you go a little slower. But like I said, I'm ready to help my team."

about the writer

about the writer

Jerry Zgoda

Reporter

Jerry Zgoda covers Minnesota United FC and Major League Soccer for the Minnesota Star Tribune.

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