Ricky Rubio gets his start of the season tonight against the Clippers along Luke Ridnour in the backcourt.

Derrick Williams moves back into the starting lineup as well as the Wolves look to find answers to solve the problems exhibited on their recent four-game losing streak.

Chris Paul will not play for the Clippers because of a bruised knee, but Caron Butler will.

And...the Wolves, as expected, will sign European swingman Mickael Gelabale on Friday after Lazar Hayward's 10-day contract expires following tonight's game.

Gelabale probably already is town and very well could be at practice tomorrow. A member of the French Olympic team last summer, he will help address their needs for a defender and three-point shooter.

Acting coach Terry Porter played coy again during his pregame media availabilty about who would start, but it's clear Rick Adelman, who's calling the shots from outside Target Center, felt the Wolves needed to change things up.

"The last two games he has made good strides," Porter said of Rubio. "His confidence, his body language is better. He's done a much better job with his aggressivness, turning the corner, getting into gaps and looking for opportunities for his shot. That has been good. Hopefully this will be a continuation of that."

Rubio's playing time also has been bumped up, from 22-24 minutesa game to 26-28.