Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls: Odds, Injuries
The Minnesota Timberwolves play against the 8th-seeded Bulls lead by former Wolves’ wing Zach LaVine at 7 p.m. in Chicago.
The Timberwolves will be playing their second game with newly-appointed head coach Chris Finch – who lost his debut against the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday, 139-112.
The Timberwolves, 7-25, are the worst team in the NBA by 2.5 games. They have lost five games in row, and have won only one out of their last ten games. Despite being one of the worst teams in the NBA, their draft pick will only remain with the team if it lands among the top-3 picks in the draft lottery.
The Timberwolves are in a horrendous situation as of right now, so hopefully tonight’s game against an average Eastern Conference team jumpstarts better play.
Minnesota Timberwolves odds at Chicago Bulls
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 4-point underdogs to the Bulls, with 56-percent of bets being placed on Chicago, according to The Action Network.
What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
Bulls guard Zach LaVine was recently named an All-Star and has been performing on an incredible level so far this season, averaging 29 points, five rebounds, and five assists on shooting splits of 52/43/86. Truthfully, Minnesota doesn’t have anyone in their rotation capable of guarding LaVine outside of Josh Okogie. The Wolves traded LaVine (in addition to Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen) to the Bulls in exchange for Jimmy Butler, who played a season and a half in Minnesota.
On the other end of the spectrum, though, The Bulls have Wendell Carter at center, and while he has been disappointing thus far this season, Karl-Anthony Towns still might have trouble scoring in the interior.
Malik Beasley has also been incredible so far this season, and should be able to have a solid night against a Bulls guard group that does not offer much, if any, defense. Another thing to look for is how the Timberwolves defense adjusts after giving up nearly 140 points in Chris Finch’s first game.
Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
Timberwolves:
Jarrett Culver (ankle) – PROBABLE
D’Angelo Russell (knee) – OUT
Bulls:
Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) – OUT
Otto Porter (back) – OUT
Chandler Hutchison (not specified) – OUT
Wolves fire Saunders, hire Chris Finch as coach. dark. Next
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