Cleveland Cavaliers' rookie Dion Waiters was unable to make the trip to Minnesota for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, missing his fourth contest in a row.

Rather than risk their rookie, the Cavaliers elected to have Waiters stay in Cleveland and continue to rehabilitate from the ankle injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 30. The Cavs' rookie has picked up his production in the absence of point guard Kyrie Irving, still reported to be several weeks away from returning to practice, as he recovers from a finger injury.

Averaging 15.2 points and 3.4 assists, Dion Waiters has exceeded Cleveland's expectations when the Cavs selected him with the fourth overall pick. Third in rookie scoring, behind only Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis, Waiters has been a bright spot on a 4-15 team still trying to find its way early in the season.

Prior to Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls, head coach Byron Scott told the media that swelling in Waiters' ankle was down, but there was considerable soreness and the team would wait a 'couple of games' to see how it progressed.