Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to play their next two games without Kevin Love because of his suspension for stomping on Luis Scola.  This is going to be Rubio's best opportunity at his first triple-double in a Minnesota uniform.

Rubio has flirted with a triple-double as recently as a week ago against the Houston Rockets when he came up two rebounds short to go along with 18 points and 11 assists.  Just five days before that Ricky came up three rebounds short.  I believe the game on Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings will be Rubio's first.

The last time these two teams met it was January 16th also at the Target Center.  The Wolves were victorious 99-86 with Rubio posting nine points, eight assists, and eight rebounds.  Without Love in the picture, Rubio will have to step up his game and not only take more shots but play more minutes and help out on the glass.

The Kings are the leagues worst defensive team, allowing 101.6 while only scoring 91.8.  They also shoot extremely poorly, dead last in the league at 40.4%.  This should allow Rubio and the Wolves plenty of opportunities to hit the boards. 

Sacramento is 28th in the league at defensive field goal percentage, which should translate into some quality shots.  Lastly, the Kings are in the bottom third in turnovers, which should provide some fast break opportunities and a chance for Rubio to pick up some easy assists.

Ricky has come close a few times in his rookie campaign and it's just a matter of time before he finally notches his first triple-double.  I'm predicting it happens this Tuesday night with this stat line:

Ricky Rubio, 18 pts, 11 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl.

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