Love had an X-ray on the hand Wednesday, and the results were sent to Dr. Andrew Weiland of New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Weiland, who performed Love’s surgery on Oct. 19, is expected to give a report to team physicians today or Friday.

Love, who has been practicing with the team since Monday, was optimistic about his imminent return before Wednesday’s game against Memphis at Target Center.

“Saturday’s game is possible or the game after that,” Love said of the Wolves’ Saturday home game against Utah and Tuesday’s game at Toronto. “I don’t want to rush anything. It’s up to how I feel. I want to be able to come back and help the team and not just play for a few minutes.”

Whenever he returns — Friday in New Orleans, Saturday at home against Utah, Tuesday in Toronto or beyond — Love expects to wear a fingerless glove that is padded to protect the back of his left hand. He said it’s the same kind of glove Vikings linemen wear.

“I got my tap-out glove from Brock,” Love said, referring to Ultimate Fighting Championship star and former Gophers wrestler Brock Lesnar. “He has hands that hurt. My hands rebound.”

Love said, “I can dribble, I can shoot” with the gloves. The only drawback, he said, is the glove is slippery until he sweats enough to make it tacky.