Ricky Rubio will play tonight against the Mavericks in Dallas, presumably no more than 20 minutes.

Flip Saunders said that's the minutes limit for his star point guard who hasn't played a game since severely spraining his ankle in a Nov. 7 game at Orlando.

Expect Rubio will start and don't be surprised, if all goes well, if he plays more than that limit.

Rubio talked before the game about the growth he has gained in three months away, as a teammate, a leader and what he called a "coach."

He also said his shot has more arc and is improved from work with shooting coach Mike Penberthy during all that time when his upper body functioned while he healed his leg.

Rubio likely will be matched up against Mavs guard Devin Harris now that Rajon Rondo is out at least three games because of facial injuries sustained in Saturday's game.

One of Rubio's agents and one of his friends from Minneapolis have flown in for the game.