Timberwolves' Saunders: Garnett, Rubio will play again this season

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been playing shorthanded for a while now, and in the big picture, that's not necessarily a bad thing. 

Losing is beneficial to them right now. All they're playing for is lottery ping-pong balls, and with a few of their top players nursing nagging injuries, there's certainly nothing to be gained by rushing them back. 

The Wolves, however, aren't about to shut those guys down. According to head coach Flip Saunders, the NBA hasn't yet seen the last of Ricky Rubio or Kevin Garnett this season. 

Rubio has missed five of the team's last six games due to an ankle injury, while Garnett has missed the last nine straight due to a knee issue. Neither will play Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Garnett's situation is particularly interesting. It's still unclear whether he plans to play beyond this season, though the Wolves have expressed interest in signing him to an extension. At 38 years old, whatever games (if any) he's ultimately able to suit up for in the season's final two-plus weeks may end up being his last. 

Rubio has dealt with ankle issues all season, and has been limited to just 22 games. The Wolves are 7-15 in those games, and 9-39 when he sits out.