When T-Wolves center Nikola Pekovic went down with an ankle injury on January 27th against the Chicago Bulls, he was expected to miss approximately a week. Nearly a month later, though, Minnesota hasn’t seen the return of their big man, but he is listed as “questionable” for Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
Pek said he is still TBD for tonight, unsure until pregame if he can give it a go vs. #Suns. Worked out at ASU yesterday on offday. #Twolves
— Mark Remme (@MarkRemme) February 25, 2014
It is encouraging to see that Pekovic has worked out in full, but playing in a game is a different story, and even if he can go on Tuesday, it’s a safe bet to predict a reduced workload. In his absence, the T-Wolves have posted a 5-7 record, and that is commendable given the amount of production (18.0 points, 9.1 rebounds per game) that Pekovic produced before the injury.
In his stead, Minnesota has been relying on guys like Dante Cunningham (who isn’t a center) and Gorgui Dieng (who is overmatched as a rookie), and with Kevin Love representing little in the way of rim protection, the Wolves have been miserable on the defensive end at times. Pekovic can’t come back quickly enough, and it would be great for Minnesota fans to see him return on Tuesday.