Craig Smith’s bruised ribs actually have a “small crack,” the pain from which likely will keep him out of the lineup for a couple of weeks.
That was Kevin McHale’s estimation after practice Friday. Knowing how McHale is with injuries — and how Kevin Ollie’s evaluation after three weeks will become a six-week layoff over longer – it could be longer than that, but McHale said the timeframe will depend on how quickly Smith heals and how much pain he can tolerate.
Smith injured his ribs in the first quarter of Tuesday’s win at Indiana and will not accompany the Wolves on their weekend road trip to Houston and New Orleans.
That means rookie Kevin Love will continue to start at power forward, as he did in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta in which he had 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Exactly when Smith will return is uncertain.
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