The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-28) and the Chicago Bulls (16-29) go head-to-head at United Center. The Timberwolves are 1-point favorites and will attempt to put an end to their six-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 219 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last contest. The Timberwolves (3.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, 107-100, while the Bulls (15.5-point underdogs) fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-98. The Minnesota game finished 14 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Chicago game finished 16.5 points under the projected point total of 225.5.
Minnesota had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 12.0) while Chicago forced Milwaukee into a turnover percentage of 20.7 (above their season average of 12.0). Zach LaVine played a key role for Chicago with 24 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Minnesota rallied around Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Timberwolves dominated this series last year, securing victories in both contests. In the most recent game, Minnesota won 119-94. One of Minnesota’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Bulls were just 10-16 (62.5 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Games featuring the Timberwolves have a slight tendency to finish over the total (53.5 percent). Minnesota heads into the game with records of 15-28 straight up (SU) and 17-24-2 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Minnesota, a little over half of Bulls games have finished under the total. Further, Chicago is 16-29 SU and 21-24 ATS.
This contest should be a battle of conflicting paces. Minnesota prefers an up-and-down style of play (fifth in possessions per game), while Chicago likes to grind-it-out (16th in possessions per game).
Timberwolves vs. Bulls Odds Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls average 12.6 second chance points per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Timberwolves rank 24th in second chance points allowed per game (14.0).
- Minnesota averages 6.1 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Chicago ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (6.4).
- The Timberwolves rank sixth in rebounds per game (46.1) while the Bulls rank 26th (42.6).
- Minnesota ranks fourth in steals per game (8.5) while Chicago ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
- Minnesota ranks 10th in points in the paint per game (48.5) while Chicago ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.2).
- The Bulls rank first in points off turnovers per game (21.2) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (15.9).
- The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.3) while the Bulls rank ninth (35.2).
- Minnesota ranks 21st in assists per game (22.9) while Chicago ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.8).
- Chicago ranks seventh in fast break points per game (15.2) while Minnesota ranks 29th (10.2).
- Minnesota is 2-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Chicago is 5-2.
- The Bulls are 16-16 when they reach the century mark, while the Timberwolves are 14-21.
- Minnesota is 12-9-1 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 10-13 ATS at home.
- The Timberwolves have 13 overs and 9 unders in 22 road games.
- The Bulls have 12 unders and 11 overs in 23 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push, while Minnesota has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 104.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 3.4 for the season.
