Key Matchup: Eric Bledsoe and Ricky Rubio Bledsoe’s play during this eight-game road stretch is absolutely integral to Los Angeles’ success. He is a good player, just a few years removed from going “one-and-done” at Kentucky. He is about as athletic and physical as point guards get, as he furiously drives the lane and uses his momentum to carry himself to the basket and/or draw a foul. But comparing his statistical line with Chris Paul’s evenly over 36 minutes, Paul more than doubles Bledsoe’s assist production per game, 10.4 to 5.0. That’s a significant difference, especially at the point guard position. It’s good news for Ricky Rubio that coach Rick Adelman has returned to the sideline. Adelman is the coach who helped Rubio blossom as a rookie and began the process of easing him back from his knee surgery this year. And now that Adelman is back from his 11-game hiatus, the scene is set for Rubio to start returning to his old form. We saw a glimpse on Saturday, as he totaled 14 points, eight assists and five steals for easy his best statistical game this season. Timberwolves fans hope that with Adelman guiding him and key targets like Alexey Shved and Nikola Pekovic healthy again, Rubio can flourish. Injury report presented by TSR Injury Law The Timberwolves got good news this week as both center Nikola Pekovic (right quad contusion) and guard Alexey Shved (sprained left ankle) each were cleared to play on Wednesday against the Clippers. Ironically, the last time these two played was against L.A. when they each suffered second half injuries. Pekovic provides such a presence down low that often demands double teams, and plugging him back in the lane will likely open up lanes for guys like Shved and other back court facilitators looking to make a play. In addition to the team signing Chris Johnson and Mickael Gelabale to second 10-day contracts on Tuesday, this will likely be the fullest available roster coach Rick Adelman has seen in weeks. Speaking of Adelman, he also returned to practice this week after missing about three weeks to be with his ailing wife, and this will be his first game coaching since Jan. 5 against Portland. Clippers guard Chris Paul has missed seven of his team’s last nine games, and he’ll sit out again tonight with a bruised right knee cap. Fellow guard Chauncey Billups is also out until at least next month due to tendonitis in his left foot. He hasn’t played since Dec. 3, and he’s only played in three games this season. The Clippers will also be without forward Trey Thompkins, who is missing time with a left knee injury.