DENVER – On the same day he exchanged text messages with injured young star Zach LaVine that brought smiles, Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau learned Wednesday that recently signed veteran Lance Stephenson's sprained ankle could complicate his future with the team.

Stephenson played only three minutes in Tuesday's home loss to Cleveland before he stepped on his left ankle, contorted it and fell to the floor in pain. He did not accompany the team to Denver for Wednesday's game, which was the final one on the 10-day contract he signed last week.

Thibodeau provided no timetable on Stephenson's recovery time, but grade 2 sprains involve a partial tear to the ankle ligament and usually require three weeks of rehabilitation or more.

The Wolves signed him because Thibodeau likes his experience, scoring, defense and playmaking.

Asked how Stephenson's injury will affect if and/or when the Wolves extend his contract, Thibodeau said: "I don't know, we'll have to see how he responds when he gets back. I liked the things he did when he was here."

New Orleans waived Stephenson in November when he sustained a groin injury that required surgery after he played just six games. The Pelicans released him to open a roster spot.

Upbeat Lavine

Thibodeau did something he doesn't too often do — chuckle — when he discussed exchanging texts on Wednesday with LaVine, who underwent surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to repair a torn knee ACL.

"You love the guy," Thibodeau said. "He's upbeat. He's doing well. He's helping out with some coaching tips after the game. He told me he's yelling at the TV. That's a good sign."

Asked how high of quality those tips are, Thibodeau said: "They're pretty good. Help anyway you can, I say. He's doing well. I think he's in the right frame of mind and we're anxious for him to get back."

Shorthanded

The Nuggets started newcomer Mason Plumlee on Wednesday only two days after they acquired him from Portland, primarily because five players — Danilo Gallinari, Emmanuel Mudiay, Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler and Darrell Arthur — all are out injured or ill. The Nuggets traded center Jusuf Nurkic and a protected first-round pick to the Blazers for Plumlee, a second-round pick and cash.

"When you're down five guys, you must consider any and all options," said Denver coach Michael Malone, whose shorthanded team tied an NBA record by making 24 three-pointers in Monday's thumping of mighty Golden State.

Take a break

Wednesday's game was the Wolves' last one for nine days because of the NBA's elongated All-Star break.

Gorgui Dieng will go to New Orleans for a day to attend an NBA Africa luncheon that's part of All-Star weekend. Brandon Rush's college jersey will be retired at Kansas on Wednesday.

Etc.

• Musician Sting watched the game from floor-level seats near midcourt.

• Nuggets talented big man Nikola Jokic was named to replace Philadelphia's injured center Joel Embiid in Saturday's All-Star weekend skills challenge in New Orleans.

• Wolves center Karl Anthony-Towns declined to defend his skills challenge title. He will play in Friday's Rising Stars game, though.