The Minnesota Timberwolves had everything going for them: a young team with a new coach, a budding All-Star, and one of the league-leaders in assists. Now, the team finds itself in a difficult spot because of injuries that have plagued key players during the 2011-2012 season.

Ricky Rubio‘s ACL is the most glaring injury. Rubio had moved into a starting role for the Timberwolves, and was widely considered to be one of the top young point guards in the NBA. While he still hadn’t found his shooting touch, he was averaging over eight assists per game and two steals to go along with it. His “on the court” leadership was clear, and numbers could not adequately reflect his impact on the Wolves. Since Rubio’s injury, the Timberwolves are 1-4 and have lost critical ground in the Western Conference playoff race.

J.J. Barea, who was expected to fill a leadership role with his veteran experience, has suffered from a strained hamstring and sprained ankle, which has limited him to only 27 games this year. Barea’s play has been inconsistent, largely due to the lack of steady play because of injuries.

Nikola Pekovic, who has been a beast in the middle for the Timberwolves all year long and has loosened up defenses around Kevin Love, has recently been affected by a sore ankle. Pekovic is averaging over 13 points per game, and his replacement, Darko Milicic, has not been able to find the same success.

Kevin Love has struggled with back spasms as of late, holding him out of a few games and limiting his performance in others. While Love’s numbers haven’t been affected, it has been apparent in grimaces and reduced playing time that he is still not one hundred percent.

Michael Beasley, who had come on recently by scoring fifteen points in a game against the Lakers and fifteen more against the Suns a few nights later, has been held out of games because of a sore toe and looks to be a step slower. While Beasley’s injury isn’t considered serious, any type of a foot injury is liable to slow a player down.

While the Wolves are still battling for a playoff spot, these nagging injuries may mean the difference between wins and losses. Hopefully the Wolves are able to regain their health while making a push for the 8th spot in the West.

Jack Grunpe is an avid Minnesota Timberwolves fan.