Wolves forward Kevin Love left the team Thursday after learning that his grandmother passed away, and it’s unlikely that he’ll return to Minneapolis in time for Saturday’s game against the defending champion Miami Heat.
“I wouldn’t think he’d be able to play tomorrow,” assistant coach Terry Porter told the Star Tribune. “I don’t think he’s probably going to be back by then. I’m pretty sure it would be tough for him to be back.”
It will be Love’s first missed game of the season.
FOX Sports North reported that his grandmother passed away while the Wolves were flying back from Mexico City Wednesday night. Minnesota’s scheduled international series game against the Spurs was postponed after smoke filled the arena.
The Timberwolves released a statement about the situation.
The Timberwolves organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing late last night of Carol Lee Craig, Kevin Love’s maternal grandmother. The Timberwolves send our condolences to the Love family in this difficult time. Kevin will not be at practice on Friday, and his status for Saturday’s game against Miami at Target Center is presently unknown.”
“Regrettably, Kevin will not be able to fulfill his scheduled community appearances on Friday at East Phillips Park Cultural and Community Center in Minneapolis, and the Sprint store location in Roseville. He was scheduled to be at each location to meet and greet fans and gather coats for the annual Kevin Love Coat Drive.”
Love leads the NBA with 13.6 rebounds per game and he’s sixth in the league in scoring, averaging 23.7 points per game.
