MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have been stumbling down the stretch, trying to hold on long enough for the franchise’s first postseason appearance in 14 years.

Jimmy Butler might be back just in time.

The All-Star shooting guard, whose fearlessness with the ball and tenacity defending it has been badly missed by the team, told reporters after practice on Tuesday that he’s “this close” to being back on the court.

Butler was a full participant in the workout, coach Tom Thibodeau said, and his surgically repaired right knee would be evaluated again on Wednesday.

The Timberwolves play at Denver on Thursday, one of two matchups left with the Nuggets. They’re one of their primary competitors for the remaining playoff spots in the stacked Western Conference, where the fourth and eighth places were separated by two games entering the games on Tuesday. The Nuggets are ninth.