Backup point guard J.J. Barea sprinted and cut on that mid-foot sprain that has kept him out for nearly two weeks today at practice and afterward sounded like a man who thinks he's ready to play after five games away.

"I feel great, a lot better," he said. "Every day it gets a lot better. I'm moving better today, got through practice. I'm going to feel some soreness. But I don't think it'll get worse unless I run into the scorer's table again.

"I'm going to have fight through some soreness for a little bit. If I'm able to move like I moved today, I'm going to give it a go. I'm going to come in tomorrow morning, get some treatment again and work out before the game. It will be a game-time decision."

Nikola Pekovic practiced fully for the second consecutive day and said afterward that he is fine and will play.

Rick Adelman concurred, but given all that's happened to his team lately with injuries added that big Pek will play provided that nothing happens between now and game time Wednesday night.

"I hope he doesn't go bowling," Adelman deadpanned.

Btw, I will be doing another live chat Wednesday at noon, a big pre-Turkey Day extravaganza in which I will answer all Wolves- and NBA-related questions.

So join me at startribune.com, won't you?