Greetings from Target Center

The Wolves didn't really do much in the way of practicing today. They watched a lot of film – that couldn't have been a lot of fun – and walked through a few things on the Target Center floor. Head coach Rick Adelman, who missed Monday's loss to Houston for personal reasons, was not here today. But acting head coach Terry Porter said he still expected Adelman to coach the team Wednesday against Denver. The team has not disclosed why Adelman is away, but Adelman did miss 11 games last season tending to his ailing wife, Mary Kay.

And, after Monday's game, Ricky Rubio said Adelman was coming back soon. "But, like everything in this life, family is first," he said.This is the second practice Adelman missed this season. The other was because of the birth of a grandson.

Also, to nobody's surprise, neither Nikola Pekovic (ankle) and Kevin Martin (thumb) are out for tomorrow's game.

Here are some items from today's interviews:

--The consensus is the team really needs to win its game Wednesday, not only to break a losing streak, but to give the team something to savor over the All Star break. "You always want to go into the All-Star break feeling confident," Porter said. "So, hopefully, winning a game gives us a chance to go in there looking at things, then you get a chance to relax. Kind of revamp, review some things.''

--The break is coming at a good time. Though Kevin Love is going to the All Star game, he should get a good bit of rest over the break and return refreshed. Also, there is a good chance that either Pekovic or Martin could return out of the break. In any event, going a full week without a game should give everyone more than enough rest.

--There is no question that the injuries and the losses are taking a toll on this team. "There are a lot of guys going down and others stepping up," Rubio said. "But we just have to do it as a team. One player can't win games. It's something that this league is about every night. ''

That's about it for now. I'll get back to you after tomorrow's morning shoot.