Rubio won’t travel with Wolves to Utah, Denver

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio, front, of Spain, drives around Dallas Mavericks small forward Shawn Marion (0) during the second half on an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Minneapolis. Rubio made his season debut after recovering from surgery on his left knee and the Timberwolves won 114-106. AP /Genevieve Ross

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio will not travel with the team for a two-game road trip to Utah and Denver this week because of back spasms.

Rubio missed the game against Phoenix on Saturday after being unable to get his back loosened up. Coach Rick Adelman says the team is just being cautious with Rubio, who is coming back from a torn ACL in his left knee.

Rubio has played in five games this season after making his debut in the middle of last month.

Adelman thinks some of Rubio’s back issues could be caused by him overcompensating for a knee that has not yet gotten back to full strength.

Rubio hopes to be ready to play at home on Saturday against Portland.