Timberwolves C Milicic Out; Webster Nears Return

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Timberwolves center Darko Milicic was out of the lineup Wednesday night against Oklahoma City because of a bruised right quadriceps, but swingman Martell Webster moved closer to making his first appearance for Minnesota.

Milicic was injured Monday night at New York. He scored 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting in 8 minutes against his former team.

Milicic said after the morning shootaround Wednesday that he tried to run but couldn't, and was barely able to put weight on his leg. Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis indicated a decision on Milicic for Wednesday night would come down to pregame warmups, but Milicic couldn't get loose.

"There is kind of a knot in there," Rambis said. "So you've got to see if it works itself out a little bit, enough to play."

Corey Brewer took Milicic's place in the starting lineup, with Michael Beasley moving to power forward and Kevin Love starting at center.

Webster, who had back surgery right before the regular season began and hasn't played since, has been cleared by the medical staff for game action but Rambis said he wants Webster to "go through some strenuous practice time" before he plays him.

Webster said his goal is to be ready to play Friday against the Detroit Pistons.

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