Love has bruised knee; status in doubt

Wolves forward Kevin Love experienced swelling in his left knee after Monday's game against Dallas. He missed practice Tuesday to visit a doctor, where he underwent an MRI, which came back clean, the team said.

"We assume it's just a contusion," Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said after Tuesday's practice. "But we have no idea right now."

Rambis said Love -- whose streak of consecutive double-doubles reached 51 games Monday -- fell down and banged the knee during the game.

He didn't appear to be in pain after the game. But Rambis said the joint swelled up overnight, prompting the visit to the doctor.

"That's what happens," Rambis said. "We have to wait until the morning because sometimes that's what happens. Guys go home, the swelling sets in and it's stiff and sore."

Love had some soreness in his knees checked out during training camp, but it didn't keep him out of action. The Wolves did the MRI as a precaution.

He is listed as day-to-day on the team's injury report, and his availability is considered a "game-time decision."

On Monday, Love matched Moses Malone for the longest double-double streak since the NBA-ABA merger.

After Love reached his double-double, the fans at Target Center stood and cheered for him; some of them even chanted "MVP."

Love was quick to shrug that off after the game. Tuesday Rambis was asked if Love might at least merit some consideration for the MVP award. He wasn't biting either.

"That would be really difficult," Rambis said. "There are so many players having terrific years on winning teams. It would be extremely difficult."

That said, Love's coaches and teammates took another chance to congratulate Love on the work ethic that has produced such a streak.

Teammate Wes Johnson said "it would be weird" should Love not be able to play Wednesday.

"Especially with him not being down there, grabbing the boards," Johnson said. "It would be a different look for us."

Seeking his shot Rambis said forward Michael Beasley still is struggling to find his shot and his rhythm since his return from a series of ankle sprains.

"He feels he's getting shots, opportunities to attack the basket," Rambis said. "Things just aren't working out for him. Some of it is him putting pressure on himself. He feels like he's letting his teammates down."

Beasley's season averages are 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 turnovers per game as well as a 45.1 shooting percentage. In the nine games since his return following the most recent injury, Beasley has averaged 15.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists with a 39.4 shooting percentage.

Etc. • Rambis said point guard Jonny Flynn continues to get closer to 100 percent, and his game is showing it.

"He had a terrific practice today," Rambis said. "It's been two weeks or so what he seems to be playing much freer from his physical ailment. ... It's helping his overall game."

• Johnson's playing time was limited Monday in his first game back from illness. Johnson said he was feeling much better Tuesday.