Timberwolves at Hawks
THE STORY: Any doubts of how Ricky Rubio would adapt to the physical style of the NBA have all but been put to rest. The Spanish point guard already appears to be fitting in, both on and off the court. Rubio’s play has left coach Rick Adelman no choice but to insert him into the starting lineup. And the rookie has drawn league-wide fan support as he ranks third among Western Conference guards in the most recent All-Star Game voting. Perhaps most endearing is his commitment to turning around the downtrodden Timberwolves. "Sometimes it looks like we can be a playoff team, sometimes it doesn't," he said. "We have to realize where we are doing good and where we are doing bad and try to avoid those moments.” Minnesota will look to avoid an 11th straight loss to the Atlanta Hawks when the teams clash Saturday night.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, SportSouth
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (4-7): Rubio drew his first NBA start Friday, knocking down a pair of tiebreaking free throws in an 87-80 win over New Orleans. He finished with 12 points and nine assists, and is averaging 7.9 dimes – eighth in the league. Kevin Love poured in a season-best 34 points with 15 rebounds in the triumph. He has double-doubles in all 11 games. But Love has struggled when facing Atlanta, going over 20 points just once in six career meetings.
ABOUT THE HAWKS (8-4): Atlanta will take the court for the second time since learning that center Al Horford is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Josh Smith picked up the slack with 30 points and 13 rebounds as the Hawks cruised to a 111-81 victory over Charlotte on Thursday to win for the fourth time in five games. Smith is averaging 24.0 points over his last five games compared to just 11.7 in the seven prior contests.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Minnesota will again be without forward Michael Beasley (foot) and guard JJ Barea (ankle) on Saturday.
2. Atlanta owns a 4-1 home record and averages 107 points at the Philips Arena.