Timberwolves vs Bulls Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Friday, March 17th

Check out our free Timberwolves vs Bulls pick and preview for this NBA game in Chicago. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Timberwolves vs Bulls NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls
Where: Chicago at United Center
Date: Friday, March 17th
Betting Odds CHI -3, MIN +122 | CHI -146 O/U 224.5

So far, the Timberwolves have put together an overall record of 35-35, while going 34-36-0 vs the spread. Over the team’s past 3 games, Minnesota has an overall record of 1-2, including going 2-1 against the spread.

The Timberwolves will be looking to bounce back from a 104-102 loss to the Celtics. In terms of betting, Minnesota entered as 4 point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. This was a tightly contested game throughout, as Minnesota only trailed by 1 point going into halftime. In the loss, Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 28 points on a field goal percentage of 50.0%.

So far, the Bulls have put together an overall record of 31-37, while going 33-35-0 vs the spread. Against the spread, Chicago has a mark of 2-1. Straight up, their record is 2-1 in these games.

Chicago is trying to bounce back from a 117-114 loss to the Kings. Going into this game, the team was 1 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. Chicago went on to lose the game despite leading by 10 heading into halftime. In the loss, DeMar DeRozan led the team in scoring with 33 points on a field goal percentage of 50.0%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Timberwolves picked up the win 150-126 win over the Bulls. Heading into the game, Minnesota was the 1.5 point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. Similar to their season-long average, the Timberwolves averaged 121.0 points per game vs the Bulls. On the other side, Chicago saw an improvement in their scoring numbers when playing the Timberwolves, as they averaged 129.0 points per game in these matchups. Spanning across the last 5 head-to-head matchups, the Timberwolves and Bulls have been competitive, with an average margin of victory sitting at just 1 points per game. This has resulted in a 3-2 ATS record for Chicago. A combined average of 253 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 5-0.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Heading into play, the Timberwolves offense is rated 12th in the league in scoring, averaging 115.5 points per contest. So far, Minnesota is averaging 101.2 possessions per game, making them one of the more up-tempo teams in the league. If the Timberwolves offense is going to continue to produce at their current level, they would benefit from an improvement in their outside shooting. Currently, they are the 16th ranked team in 3-point shooting percentage.

On defense, the Timberwolves will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 24th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

Before getting a bet down on this matchup, be sure to check in on the health status of Rudy Gobert who is 2nd on the team in scoring at 13.7 points per game. At the time of this article, Gobert is listed as questionable. For the season, he is 11th on the team in usage rate and is 72nd 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 22nd in the league in scoring (25.0). For today’s matchup, he will going against a defense ranked 28th in points allowed to shooting guards.

The Bulls come into today’s game as the 20th ranked scoring offense at 113.2 points per game. So far, the Bulls are averaging 99.1 possessions per game, which places them below the NBA average. The Bulls are a candidate to see their offensive numbers improve, as not only do they play at a fast pace, but they are a strong team at scoring inside. So far they are 4th in made 2-point field goals per game.

Against the Timberwolves, the Bulls will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 17th in points allowed.

Shooting Guard Zach LaVine currently leads the Bulls at 24.9 points per game. For the season, he is 37th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 20.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, LaVine is averaging 4.8 boards and 4.0 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 24th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. DeMar DeRozan enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 62 games, he is averaging 25.1 and is 43rd in the league in player efficiency rating.