Terrell Brandon's Return A ?

(AP) 
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Terrell Brandon probably won't be back until after the Feb. 13 All-Star game, but team officials declined Friday to set a firm date for his return.

"My idea is around the All-Star break (Feb. 12-13); whether it's before or whether it's after, who knows," Saunders said. "But that's pretty much where it's going to be."

Brandon has not practiced since spraining his ankle in last Saturday's 96-94 win over the Utah Jazz. He has been rehabilitating in a pool and wearing a walking boot at times but was in tennis shoes Thursday, a team official said.

Brandon, 29, was averaging 18.6 points, 9.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds in the 18 games before his injury. He missed three games last month with a strained right calf.

Bobby Jackson has been starting at point guard in Brandon's absence. Jackson had his first career triple-double against Sacramento on Tuesday with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.

Rookie William Avery is the only other point guard on the roster.

©2000 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed