Love encouraged by recovery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love says he feels like he is ahead of schedule in rehabilitating his surgically repaired left hand.

Love broke his hand in the preseason and had surgery on Oct. 20. Doctors told him to expect a recovery time of six to eight weeks. But Love said on Wednesday that he is hoping to be cleared to return to practice on Nov. 20. That's when doctors will review X-rays to check his progress.

Love is scheduled to have stitches removed on Thursday. He is hoping the swelling will start to subside and he will regain mobility in his hand soon.

Coach Kurt Rambis said it is too early to set a target date for Love to return to the court.

Updated November 4, 2009