Robert Covington returns for Wolves at Golden State

OAKLAND, CALIF. – The Timberwolves weren't without Robert Covington for very long.

Covington was back in the lineup Monday against the Warriors after missing Saturday's game at Portland because of right knee soreness.

Covington and coach Tom Thibodeau said the absence Saturday was precautionary, and Covington mentioned he was able to get a lengthy rehabilitation session Sunday and was "feeling great" after shootaround Monday.

"It was kind of last minute [Saturday], but I feel good," Covington said. "We're going to sit up here, keep staying on my rehab."

Covington added that he wouldn't be playing unless he could be at full strength and give maximum effort.

"If you're going to go out and play, you're going to go out and play," Covington said. "If you can't, you can't. If you're going to be out there, you have to be out there. Not half and half. You have to really be engaged."

Covington played 25 minutes, 39 seconds, finishing with seven points and four rebounds in the Wolves' 116-108 loss.

Thibodeau said it was different from the plus-minus statistics that are available on websites such as Basketball Reference and NBA.com.

"When you see the impact he has per 48, it's like a plus-8.4, which is one of the highest in the league," Thib­odeau said. "It tells you how valuable he's been. It's not an end-all be-all. It's something that over a period of games it does tell you something. I wouldn't base it on one game."

Thibodeau joked that he stole the statistic from Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren.

"It's based on all the games they've been on the floor and you're not basing it on the average of what an NBA player at that position is, it's what he's actually doing on the floor," Thibodeau said. "That's why I think it's much more accurate than the ones you see out there."

Since joining the Wolves, Covington entered Monday 21st in the NBA among players averaging 20 minutes per game with a plus-minus of 6.5.

"He's a good pro, I like the way he approaches things and so we'll see once he's able to come back," Thib­odeau said. "I think he's shown throughout his career that he's a good player."

Golden State forward Draymond Green was scheduled to play Monday for the first time since hurting a toe on his right foot, an injury that caused him to miss 11 consecutive games.