The Minnesota Timberwolves expect point guard Ricky Rubio to return from his severe ankle injury in mid-January, according to a league source.
Rubio has missed 24 games with a severely sprained left ankle he suffered on Nov. 7 at Orlando. He took part in three-quarter speed running exercises and shooting drills on the floor at Oracle Arena prior to the T'wolves' game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
If an upcoming MRI shows his ankle is healing according to schedule, he could participate in contract drills next week.