Minnesota Timberwolves Rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, out the past three days with flu symptoms, will start in tonight's regular-season opener against New Jersey at Target Center, coach Kurt Rambis said today. Flynn participated in the Wolves' shootaround this morning at Target Center and performed well enough to be cleared to play. "I feel a lot better than I did two days ago," said Flynn, the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. "I took some antibiotics and got a lot of rest. I actually felt great this morning."
If Flynn hadn't been able to play, Rambis said, Ramon Sessions would have started. Sessions, a two-year veteran, signed with the Wolves in September as a restricted free agent from Milwaukee.
Power forward Kevin Love, out for at least two months with a broken hand, will be replaced by Ryan Gomes. Al Jefferson, dealing with Achilles tendinitis the past week, said he had another "pain-free" workout and will start at center tonight. Five-year veteran Damien Wilkins, signed as a free agent, will start at small forward. Corey Brewer will be paired with Flynn in the backcourt at shooting guard.
Rookie guard Wayne Ellington, also slowed by the flu the past three days, participated in the shootaround and was cleared to play tonight.
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