The benefit of having an 82-game series is teams have plenty of opportunities to jockey for position. Minnesota’s recent stretch has seen the Timberwolves vault into the top half of the Western Conference and they enter a road game with Chicago having won seven of their past 10 games. The Bulls, who have had players coming in and out of the lineup with injuries, are seeking an opportunity to ascend up the Eastern Conference standings, as they sit a few games behind Miami for the top spot in the east.
Timberwolves at Bulls Stats
Looking at the Minnesota stats
The Timberwolves have been playing in high-scoring affairs during their recent string of strong play. Minnesota has scored 123.9 points per game over the past 10 games and are shooting 48.3 percent from the field during that time span. The Timberwolves’ offense, while averaging 112.9 points per game on the year, only ranks 24th in the league by shooting 44.7 percent from the field.
Karl Anthony Towns has been turning in an outstanding season for the Timberwolves, averaging 24.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Small forward Anthony Edwards, who averages 22.0 points per game for Minnesota, is questionable for the game with the Bulls due to a knee injury.
Looking at the Chicago stats
DeMar DeRozan, who ranks fourth in the NBA by averaging 24.7 points per game, has been on a scoring tear for the Bulls over the past week. In Chicago’s last three games, DeRozan has scored 119 points including 36 in a 121-109 victory over Charlotte Wednesday night. Chicago is kicking off a five-game homestand following its trip to beat the Hornets.
In addition to DeRozan, Vucevic has become a major player for Chicago over the past 10 games, contributing 22.3 points per game. The Bulls have been successful in offense thanks to being able to get out in transition. Chicago ranks third in the Eastern Conference by recording 13.2 points per game on the fast break.
Betting Trends for Minnesota at Chicago
- Minnesota is 28-26-1 against the spread.
- Chicago is 32-22-1 against the spread.
- The Timberwolves have seen the over go 33-22.
- The Bulls have seen the over go 30-24-1.
- Minnesota has seen the total go over in eight of its last 10 games.
Timberwolves at Bulls Prediction
Top sportsbooks have Chicago as a 3.5-point favorite over Minnesota. While DeRozan has been impressive as of late, the Bulls have been inconsistent since losing Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso to injury. Chicago has been strong on its home court, recording a 19-8 record.
Minnesota’s offense has been strong recently, but Chicago has the firepower to match the Timberwolves. Minnesota also has had recent success against some of the weaker teams in the league, including two wins over Detroit. Expect Chicago to win its second straight and cool off the Timberwolves.
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