A couple signs of hope for Wolves

By Master Testafsion

Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio, center Nikola Pekovic and guard Kevin Martin all participated in practice on Monday, though there's still no timetable for their returns.

Pekovic and Martin, who are dealing with ankle and wrist injuries, respectively, were full participants during the nearly two-hour session. Wolves head coach Flip Saunders said Pekovic and Martin won't be available Tuesday against the Pacers, but they'll travel with the team and continue to build their conditioning.

"We're not going to take any gambles on them," Saunders said. "We're going to let them come back and get some practices. …They will do something again tomorrow [in Indianapolis]. We've got two practices in Phoenix, and we'll be able to get a good evaluation after a couple of practices."

Saunders said Rubio, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, moved "extremely well" despite being limited. He only participated in non-contact drills.

"He's definitely moving a lot better than he was," Saunders said. "But as much running as they did today, the big thing will be how will they are tomorrow."

Forward Shabazz Muhammad and center Gorgui Dieng were the only two held out of practice. An MRI on Muhammad's abdominal revealed an external oblique strain. He's expected to be reevaluated in two weeks.

"Those things can be very delicate," Saunders said. "You don't want them to turn into anything more serious."

Dieng was out due to sickness. Saunders said he's been sick the last few days and dealt with a sore throat on Sunday.

The Wolves, who have lost 15 straight, begin a four-game road trip Tuesday at Indiana. The team record losing streak is 18, which could be broken by the time the Wolves return home again for a Jan. 21 game against Dallas.