An MRI on Wolves center Nikola Pekovic's right ankle revealed bursitis, according to a release sent out by the team today.Pekovic will be sidelined from basketball activities for seven to 10 days, after which he will be re-evaluated.
Pekovic had been fighting ankle pain -- it was believed to be Achilles tendon-related -- for days leading up to Monday's game at Chicago. Pekovic started the game, but left mid-way through the first quarter when the pain became to much to play.
With a window of seven to 10 days, even the most optimistic outcome of treatment would mean Pekovic will miss at least three games. The Wolves host New Orleans on Wednesday and Memphis on Friday before playing at Atlanta Saturday. The Wolves then play four games in five nights starting Feb. 4.
Ronny Turiaf played well Monday, scoring 14 points with seven rebounds. Rookie Gorgui Dieng also figures to see significant minutes while Pekovic is healing.
Pekovic appeared in each of the Wolves' first 44 games, averaging career highs in points (18.0), rebounds (9.1) and minutes (32.5).
