Minnesota Timberwolves big man Nikola Pekovic took the day off from training camp on Thursday as the team looks to reduce the wear and tear on him that has led to injuries the last two years.

Coach Flip Saunders says they plan to give Pekovic days off here and there during camp. It’s all part of a goal to keep one of the league’s best offensive centers on the floor for the entire season.

Pekovic has missed 48 games in the last two seasons due to injury. His bruising style often leads to nagging injuries, so Saunders says he’s going to do a better job of managing Pekovic’s work load.

Saunders says they’d like to keep him under 30 minutes a night in games during the regular season.