Howlin' T-Wolf

The Wolves head to Dallas after a nice three day break to take on a red-hot Mavericks team. Hopefully that break gave them some time to themselves, so that they might find some confidence to take on one of the Western Conference’s best teams. Here are today’s Wolf Tracks:

Timberwolf Tracks:

• Despite being out of game-shape, Darko’s minutes continue to increase. He’ll probably get a healthy dose tonight in Dallas, as he may be starting.
• Here is Jonah Ballow with a Tueday Practice Report, including audio from coach Kurt Rambis as well as players Jonny Flynn and Kevin Love.

While Rambis would not fully commit to the announcement of starting Darko Milicic, he is leaning towards that decision. Al Jefferson’s two-game suspension opened a spot at the center position and provides a big opportunity for the former No. 2 overall pick.

• Both Wayne Ellington and Nathan Jawai will miss tonight’s game due to sprained ankles, suffered in yesterday’s practice.
• Here is more about Kahn’s utmost confidence in seeing Rubio play for Minnesota one day.

Don’t believe anything you read, or any kind of emotional outburst, or any kind of emoting of any sort that he will not play here. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m looking very forward to him starting his career here with the Minnesota Timberwolves in what I assume will be a year-and-a-half.

Truehoop Tracks:

• Despite his off-court issues, Gilbert Arenas still believe that he can play for the Washington Wizards.
• Having a strong relationship with the coach of your favorite NBA team can be very important. After all he is the guy leading your players to victory, so to respect him is key. Well, some San Antonio Spurs fans have started to turn on coach Gregg Popovich but 48 Minutes in Hell has a rebuttal.

Other Tracks:

• Not sure if this is real news but Yao Ming is having a baby and there is a debate in China whether it will be American or not.
• Shaq had surgery on his thumb Monday and is confident that he will return to the Cavaliers lineup within six weeks.