Check out our free Bulls vs Timberwolves pick and preview for this NBA game in Minneapolis. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Bulls vs Timberwolves NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves
- Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
- Date: Sunday, December 18th
- Betting Odds MIN +1.5, CHI -123 | MIN +102 O/U 229.5
The Bulls come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 11-17. So far, the team has gone 13-15-0 against the spread. Against the Timberwolves, the Bulls are looking to break out of a 3 game losing streak. They have lost these games by an average of -10.67 points.
In their previous game, the Bulls were favored to win vs the Knicks. However, their 114-91 loss, gave them both a straight up and ATS loss. The game got away from Chicago in the 2nd half, as the Knicks extended their 5 point halftime lead to grab a 23 point win. In the loss, Zach LaVine led the team in scoring with 17 points on a field goal percentage of 58.3%.
The Timberwolves come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 14-15. So far, the team has gone 11-18-0 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 1-2 straight-up and 1-2 vs the spread.
Minnesota is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Thunder at home. With the 112-110 victory, they also covered the spread as 4 point underdogs. Minnesota will look to do a better job putting teams home down the stretch, as they let the Thunder get back into the game after leading by 13 points at halftime. In the win, Naz Reid led the team in scoring with 28 points on a field goal percentage of 61.1%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
This season, the Bulls will look to continue their strong play over Minnesota, as they won both of last year’s matchups. Chicago won game 1 of the series by a score of 134-124, and wrapped up the head-to-head meetings with a 134-122 victory. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Bulls averaged 129.0 points per game vs Minnesota, which was an increase over their season-long average. While the Bulls saw a boost in scoring, the Timberwolves averaged 121.0 points per contest in head-to-head meeting vs Chicago. This figure was similar to season-long average. Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the Bulls have an average scoring margin of +3 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 4-1. Combined, they averaged 243 points in these games.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
The Bulls come into today’s game as the 15th ranked scoring offense at 112.8 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Bulls will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.4 made 3’s per game. Not only is the Chicago offense struggling with their outside shot, but they are also getting to the charity stripe at a below average rate. So far, they are the 13th ranked team in made free-throws per contest.
On defense, the Bulls will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 17th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
On offense, DeMar DeRozan leads the Bulls in scoring at 25.8 points per game, placing him 16th in the NBA. Overall, DeRozan has hit 50.3% of his shots while accounting for 20.4% of the team’s looks from the field. In today’s game, he will be working against a defensive unit that is 24th in points allowed to small-forwards. At 21.8 points per game, Zach LaVine is the 2nd leading scorer for the Bulls. For the season, he is 127th in the league in player efficiency rating, while posting a field goal percentage of 44.1%.
The Timberwolves come into today’s game as the 13th ranked scoring offense at 114.2 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Timberwolves will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.8 made 3’s per game. If the team is going to improve their scoring numbers, they will need to become more efficient with their shots as Minnesota is already one of the leaders in pace, averaging 102.1 possessions per game.
Defensively, Minnesota has had its problems giving up an average of 113.3 points per game (24th).
Before getting a bet down on this matchup, be sure to check in on the health status of D’Angelo Russell who is 2nd on the team in scoring at 16.6 points per game. At the time of this article, Russell is listed as questionable. For the season, he is 5th on the team in usage rate and is 116th in the NBA in player efficiency rating. If he is able to play, Minnesota benefit from having both of their top scorers as Anthony Edwards leads the team and is 30th in the league in scoring (22.4). For today’s matchup, he will going against a defense ranked 5th in points allowed to shooting guards.
Bulls vs Timberwolves Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Bulls -1.5
- Free Total Prediction: Over 229.5
Props
