Ricky Rubio Injury: Updates on Timberwolves Star's Ankle and Return

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has been held out of action since suffering an ankle injury on Nov. 25 against the Atlanta Hawks. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates. 

---

Rubio Active vs. Magic

Tuesday, Dec. 1

Head coach Sam Mitchell said Rubio will play against Orlando tonight, per Andy Greder of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press.

---

How Rubio's Return Impacts Timberwolves

Rubio was limited to 22 appearances because of a severe ankle injury last season, so Timberwolves fans have every reason to hold their breath whenever their floor general hits the hardwood. It's especially worrisome that this injury affects his left ankle, the same one he had repaired last summer.

Although Minnesota is replete with rising stars such as Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, neither player is tasked with facilitating the offense and setting the table for the rest of the team's scorers. 

Rubio's averaging 11.3 points and 8.7 assists per game. The Spanish ball-handler ranked sixth in average points generated via assists prior to his injury, according to NBA.com's player-tracking data. 

Getting Rubio back in the lineup will be a big boost for their offense.