Ricky Rubio now running but won't be back by Christmas

The Minnesota Timberwolves won't find a healthy Spanish point guard under their tree on Christmas morning.

Terrible openings aside, the Wolves updated the status of injured star Ricky Rubio on Tuesday, revealing that he's now able to run on his own. Rubio has been sidelined since Nov. 7 with a severe left ankle sprain, an injury that kept him on crutches for nearly a month.

Rubio had hoped to return by Christmas Day, but head coach Flip Saunders indicated that the goal is for Rubio to be playing in 5-on-0 drills by then, not seeing actual game action. It's unclear where that would put Rubio's return date, but he wasn't originally expected back until early January.

In five games before the injury, Rubio, the recipient of a four-year, $55-million contract extension in October, averaged 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10 assists. Zach LaVine and Mo Williams have split his duties, with LaVine's development - he's averaged 12.3 points and four assists over his last 11 games - standing as the lone silver lining from Rubio's injury.

At 5-18, there's little reason for Minnesota to risk rushing Rubio back, so they'll likely remain cautious as he progresses.