Timberwolves vs Bulls prediction NBA · Thursday, January 14
At a glance
The Chicago Bulls (1-4) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2) on Thursday, January 14 at 8:00 PM ET at United Center in NBA action. The Basketlog model gives the Timberwolves a 80% chance to win and projects a 122-112 score (Timberwolves – Bulls), about 234 total points. This season, the Bulls are 0-2 at home and the Timberwolves are 2-1 on the road. Since the start of the season: 1-4 for the Bulls and 3-2 for the Timberwolves (current streaks: Bulls L3, Timberwolves L2). A close game (margin of 5 points or fewer) happens in only 22% of cases according to the model. Reported injuries: Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Donte DiVincenzo (Timberwolves), Patrick Williams (Bulls) and Nic Claxton (Bulls). Prediction confidence: high.
The analysis Model
The Timberwolves start with a clear edge. The model projects Bulls 112 – 122 Timberwolves, a margin of about 10.7 points in favor of the Timberwolves and a total around 234 points. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game. The Bulls will be without Patrick Williams or Nic Claxton. The Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards or Donte DiVincenzo.
- The overall strength gap (-7.2 vs +5.2 pts/game) is the main factor.
- The Bulls need to win the pace battle to stay in the game.
- The Timberwolves' offense (118.7 pts/game) is the more productive of the two.
- The Timberwolves' defense allows clearly fewer points (112.6 pts/game).
What tips the balance
Scenarios
Stat comparison Current season
MINCHI
Players to watch
Timberwolves
Anthony EdwardsG · #533.2pts / game
LaMelo BallG · #16.6assists
Rudy GobertC · #2712.2reboundsBulls
Norman PowellG · #2421.6pts / game
Josh GiddeyG · #38.0assists
Jalen SmithF · #258.2reboundsRecent form
MIN
131-106W
115-93W
117-94L
127-125 OTL
119-114CHI135-92W
132-125L
124-120L
134-99L
133-127
CHI
Second opinion
Our model compared with ESPN's public model (BPI). When they agree, the prediction is more solid.
✓ Both models pick the same favorite.
Team comparison
| MIN | CHI | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-2 | Record | 1-4 |
| 118.7 | Points scored / game | 115.6 |
| 112.6 | Points allowed / game | 124.1 |
| +5.2 | Adjusted margin / game | -7.2 |
| L2 | Current streak | L3 |
| 3-2 | Last 10 games | 1-4 |
| 2-1 road | Home / road record | 0-2 home |
| 49-33 (+3.4) | Last season | 31-51 (-5.2) |
| No | Played yesterday | No |
Injury report Timberwolves
Injury report Bulls
Probabilities estimated by the Basketlog model from available public data. They are neither a certainty nor betting advice.