Ricky Rubio's injured ankle has improved faster than expected in recent days and he could begin to practice by Christmas, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Rubio's injured ankle has improved faster than expected in recent days and he could begin to practice by Christmas, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Rubio has started to run and shoot on his own and is traveling with the team on its current road trip. It sounds like he could return in early January if his recovery continues to move faster than expected.