As the Chicago Bulls (21-22) prepare to square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-17) on Thursday night at the Target Center, both teams are dealing with injury concerns that could shape how this one plays out. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET, and while the Timberwolves are riding high with one of the NBA’s most balanced attacks, the Bulls are looking to get back above .500 and gain some traction in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Injury Watch: Bulls Banged Up, Wolves Mostly Healthy
Chicago’s injury report is a bit crowded heading into this matchup. Noa Essengue is done for the season with a shoulder injury, while Zach Collins remains out due to a toe issue.
Two other key rotation players - Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Patrick Williams (ankle) - are listed as questionable. If either or both are unavailable, that’s a big hit to Chicago’s depth, especially on the defensive end and in terms of floor spacing.
Minnesota, on the other hand, is relatively healthy. The only player listed on their injury report is Terrence Shannon, who’s sidelined with a foot injury. That gives the Timberwolves the edge in continuity and rotation stability heading into Thursday’s game.
Timberwolves: Quietly Dangerous on Both Ends
Minnesota has quietly built one of the league’s most well-rounded teams. They’re outscoring opponents by over five points per game, thanks to a potent offense that ranks third in the NBA at 120.1 points per night. But it’s not just offense - they’re also top-15 in points allowed, giving up 115.0 per game.
Anthony Edwards continues to ascend as one of the game’s premier young stars, averaging 29.9 points per game - fourth-best in the league. He’s been electric, and his ability to score from all three levels gives Minnesota a go-to option in crunch time.
Rudy Gobert is anchoring the paint with his usual dominance, pulling down 11.4 rebounds per game (third in the NBA) and providing rim protection that forces opponents to think twice before driving. Minnesota wins the glass battle by a slim margin - 44.7 to 43.1 - but that edge has been enough to tilt close games in their favor.
From beyond the arc, the Timberwolves are shooting it well - 37.2% as a team, fourth-best in the NBA. They’re hitting 14.1 threes per game, with Donte DiVincenzo leading the way at 3.0 per contest. That outside shooting has been a key complement to their interior presence and transition game.
Bulls: Offensive Firepower, Defensive Questions
The Bulls can score - that much is clear. They’re putting up 117.9 points per game, good for seventh in the league.
But they’re giving up 120.0 on the other end, which ranks 26th. That -91 point differential is a concern, especially against a team like Minnesota that can punish defensive lapses.
Nikola Vučević continues to be the steady hand for Chicago, averaging 17.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He’s not just a scorer - he facilitates from the post and stretches the floor with his shooting. Over the last 20 games, he’s averaging 18.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists - a strong all-around contribution.
Rookie Matas Buzelis has been a bright spot, showing flashes of why he was such a highly touted prospect. He’s averaging 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over the last 20 games, while also knocking down 2.2 threes per game and contributing 1.5 blocks - a rare mix of shooting and rim protection for a young wing.
Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu have been holding things down in the backcourt, combining for over 23 points and 10 assists per game in recent weeks. Their ability to push the pace and create off the dribble will be key against Minnesota’s strong half-court defense.
The Bulls are also shooting the three well, averaging 14.4 makes per game (ninth in the league). They’re slightly outpacing their opponents from deep, and that margin could be crucial in a game where every possession matters.
What to Watch
This one could come down to whether the Bulls can get enough stops to keep pace with Minnesota’s high-powered offense. If Giddey and Williams are out, that’s a lot of defensive versatility missing from Chicago’s lineup. Minnesota has the edge in consistency, rebounding, and overall roster health - not to mention the star power of Edwards and the interior dominance of Gobert.
But if the Bulls can get hot from deep and Vučević controls the paint, this could turn into a shootout. And in a shootout, anything can happen.
Thursday night in Minneapolis should be a fun one. Two teams with playoff aspirations, two different styles, and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Let’s see who brings the fire.