Wolves guard Brandon Roy, working his way back from knee surgery, missed Friday's practice due to personal reasons.

The team didn't specify what those reasons were. But, given Roy's history of knee problems, his attempt at a comeback this season, and the work he has put in to return from his latest surgery, it's hard not to wonder whether the absence Friday was knee-related.

"As far as I know it's personal reasons," coach Rick Adelman said. When asked later if he thought the absence was knee-related, Adelman said, "I have no idea. Just personal reasons."

Roy has been working hard to return from Nov. 19 surgery on his right knee. In a recent interview he said his knee had responded well to the procedure and that he had not contemplated leaving the game again. After a hard practice Thursday Roy said he felt good and, given another good practice Friday, hoped to return to action Saturday against Phoenix.

Now any return will have to be pushed back.

Meanwhile:

--Adelman said Ricky Rubio has been cleared to play up to 24 minutes a game, but whether he will or not depends on how well Rubio is playing and how the game is going.

--Chase Budinger said there have been no setbacks from his November surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. He said he hopes to return in time to play "20-plus" games, which means he is aiming for a mid-March return.

--Adelman said Kevin Love -- who declined to talk with reporters Friday -- appears to be out of rhythm so far this year, with his injuries a possible contributing factor. "It's just something he's going to have to work through, play through," Adelman said. "He's really important in the way we play. When he's making shots it opens it up for everybody."