Timberwolves vs Bulls Prediction
The Bulls are still missing Tobe Awaka and Dailyn Swain, while the Timberwolves have ruled out Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo again.
The Bulls would have breathed a major sigh of relief after they were finally able to break their losing streak, but I don’t know if they will be able to get back up after last night’s overtime win. The Timberwolves have been in great form, and they looked particularly dominant in their massive win over the Mavericks on Thursday. The line was always going to be hefty for this matchup, but given what we’ve seen from the Bulls so far this season, I definitely prefer a play on the short-handed Timberwolves to run past a weary Bulls squad.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Chicago Bulls have really been doing it tough so far this season as they lost nine of their first 10 games, but they will be feeling a little better after they snapped an eight-game slide with a 125-117 overtime win over the Hawks last night. Norman Powell led the team with 33 points on 12-of-19 shooting, Josh Giddey tallied a triple-double of 15 points with 10 rebounds and 14 assists, while Jalen Smith chipped in with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals.
As a team, the Bulls shot 49 percent from the field and 20 of 50 from the 3-point line as they looked headed for another defeat after squandering an early 18-point lead, but they made up for it in overtime, where they went on a 10-3 run to reclaim the lead for good.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been a team on the rise as they are now aiming for a season-high sixth straight victory after blowing past the Mavericks in a dominant 133-94 win on Thursday. Bones Hyland led the team with 24 points and eight assists off the bench; LaMelo Ball added 22 points with nine assists; Ayo Dosunmu added 18 points, while Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 16 points.
As a team, the Timberwolves shot a sizzling 58 percent from the field and 15 of 32 from the 3-point line as they poured in 67 points in the first half to jump out to an early double-digit lead, before they opened the third quarter on a 26-6 run to put the game to bed.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Bulls have lost each of their last 10 games on the second leg of a back-to-back after winning as underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have won 14 of their last 15 home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 games on the second leg of a back-to-back after winning as underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last eight games following a win.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The underdogs have won five of the Bulls’ last six games at Target Center.
- The Timberwolves have lost four of their last five games against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Bulls have covered the spread in each of their last seven Saturday games as road underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine Saturday games as home favorites.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Timberwolves’ last nine home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Bulls’ last eight games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Ayo Dosunmu ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (5.3) this season.
- Rudy Gobert is one of only three players in the league to have recorded 20+ rebounds in a game this season.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Josh Giddey ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (11.1) this season.
- Norman Powell is one of only three players in the league to have recorded 4+ steals in consecutive games this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+13.4).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (48.9).
- The Bulls rank 30th in the league for opponent points per game this season (127.7).
- The Bulls rank 30th in the league for opponent assists per game this season (29.8).