Jefferson to miss 2 games for family illness

Nov 12, 2009 - 8:09 PM MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson will miss the next two games because of an illness in his family.

The Timberwolves say Jefferson left the team to be with an ill family member in Florida. He will miss the game Friday night against Dallas and on Saturday at Memphis.

Jefferson is expected to rejoin the team early next week. It's a big blow to the Timberwolves, who have lost eight straight games since a season-opening win over New Jersey.

Jefferson is averaging 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds this season. He is still not 100 percent from February surgery on his right knee, but the Wolves will sorely miss his presence in the middle.