The Chicago Bulls (35-39) travel to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (51-22) on Sunday, March 31st. This game will be played at Target Center in Minneapolis and televised on NBCS. The Timberwolves are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Bulls are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Nuggets. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.
Bulls vs Timberwolves
The Bulls Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Bulls will look to bounce back from a defeat in their last game, losing to the Nets with a final score of 125-108. The Bulls not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread as -3 point favorites. The over/under line entering this matchup was 214.5 points, and both teams achieved a total score that exceeded that line.
In their last five games, the Bulls are 1-4 and have an overall record of 35-39. In games against Eastern Conference teams, the Bulls are 19-25 compared to a 16-14 record in non-conference games.
So far, Chicago is below .500 in their ATS record, currently standing at 36-37. When playing on the road, the Bulls hold an ATS record of 18-17 in contrast to a 18-20 record against the spread when playing at home.
The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win
In the Timberwolves’ most recent game against the Nuggets, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points while going 8/19 from the field. Mike Conley also contributed 23 points as the Timberwolves won by a score of 111-98 vs. the Nuggets.
Coming into today’s matchup against the Bulls, the Timberwolves are looking to keep their above .500 record intact. Their current record is 51-22, and they are currently in 1st place in both the Western Conference and the Northwest division.
Minnesota has an overall ATS record of 38-34 as they come into today’s game. During this season, Minnesota has a 27-28 record against the spread as favorites and 11-6 as underdogs.
Bulls Offense Breakdown
This season, the Chicago offense is ranked 23rd in the NBA in scoring at 112.1 points per game.
Heading into their matchup with the Timberwolves, the Bulls are 23rd in the league in scoring at 112.1 points per game. On the road, they are averaging 112.5 points per game compared to 111.8 at home.
Chicago is 20th in pace, averaging 96.9 possessions per game. In terms of field goal percentage, the Bulls are 19th at 46%. They are 21st in true shooting percentage.
When it comes to three-point shooting, the Bulls are 26th in made threes at 11.6 per game. Overall, they are 19th in the league in three-point shooting percentage at 35%.
Timberwolves Offense Breakdown
Through 73 games the Timberwolves are averaging 113 points per contest, placing them 18th in the NBA.
At home, the Timberwolves are averaging 111.4 points per game, which ranks 24th in the NBA. Overall, they are 18th in scoring at 113 points per game. So far, they have outscored the league average in 42.5% of their games.
Minnesota’s offense has been efficient from three-point range, shooting 38% from beyond the arc, which is 3rd in the NBA. However, they are just 23rd in three-point attempts per game.
So far, the Timberwolves have made 48% of their field goals, which is 10th in the league. They are also 9th in true shooting percentage.
Bulls Team Defense
So far, the Bulls’ defense is ranked 15th in the league at 113.7 points per contest. The Chicago defense has allowed opponents to shoot 36.7% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 47.1% of their field goal attempts vs. Chicago.
Timberwolves Team Defense
So far, the Timberwolves defense is giving up 106.2 points per contest, which has them sitting 1st in the NBA. One thing to note, is they have given up more points than their season average in five straight matchups. On two point field goal attempts, the Timberwolves’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 50.5% and allowing 35.1% from beyond the arc.
Key Players For The Bulls And Timberwolves
Our projections for today’s game indicate that DeMar DeRozan will be the primary scorer for the Bulls, with 24 points and going 8/17 from the field. This season, he is averaging 23.4 points per game along with 4.4 boards.
On the opposing side, we anticipate Anthony Edwards to be the top scorer for the Timberwolves. Our projection has him finishing the game with 26, and he is expected to secure 6 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 46.3% and is averaging 26.2 points per contest.
Bulls vs Timberwolves Trends
- Through their last five road contests, the Bulls offense has averaged 116 points per game while allowing an average of 123. Chicago posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
- Although Minnesota has a straight up record of 8-2 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 8-2. The team averaged 115 points per game in these games.
- Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Chicago has an ATS mark of 4-6 while going 4-6 straight up.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have gone 4-6 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 8-2.
Bulls vs Timberwolves Prediction
Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +8.5, the Bulls is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 212, and our model predicts the Bulls and Timberwolves to score a combined 223 points. We recommend betting on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:March 31, 2024 Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves