Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions February 5th 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls February 5th 2025

At 8:00 ET, the Timberwolves (-563) will host the Bulls (+412) in a non-conference matchup. Minnesota is favored by 11 points, and the Over/Under is 226.5.

Chicago is 22-29 and 10th in the Eastern Conference, while Minnesota is 27-23 and 7th in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves have lost two straight games.

Tonight’s Winning NBA Picks Are Here! Access NBA basketball picks against the spread tonight and plan your bets.

Bulls vs. Timberwolves Key Information

Chicago improved to 22-29 on the season with a 133-124 win over Miami on Tuesday. The Bulls, who were +3.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread at home. The combined score of 257 points exceeded the O/U line of 228.5 by 28.5 points.

After Miami went on a 10-0 run, extending their lead from 79-78 to 88-79, Chicago responded by dominating the 4th quarter. They held the Heat to 21 points while scoring 39 of their own to close out the game.

In their win over the Heat, the Bulls put up 133 points, shooting 52.7% from the field and hitting 19 threes at a 46.3% rate. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis led the way with 24 points each, with Buzelis shooting 100% from the field and making 4 threes.

Coby White added 22 points, also hitting 4 threes, while Ayo Dosunmu contributed 21 points. Giddey scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, and White added 8 in the final period.

Despite a rough start defensively, the Bulls managed to pull out a win against the Heat, giving up 124 points. Chicago allowed 37 points in the 1st quarter and 33 in both the 2nd and 3rd, but tightened up in the 4th, holding Miami to 21 points.

The Bulls allowed the Heat to shoot 47% from the field, including 38% from three-point range, where Miami hit 17 threes. Chicago sent the Heat to the line 26 times, with Miami converting 21 free throws. The Bulls finished with 36 defensive rebounds, while giving up 11 offensive boards, and recorded 4 steals and 3 blocks.

The Timberwolves dropped to 27-23 on the season after a 116-114 home loss to the Kings on Monday. Minnesota entered the game as 5-point favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 230, going over the pre-game line of 222.

Minnesota fell behind early, trailing 38-34 after the 1st quarter and 67-59 at halftime. They tightened up defensively in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Sacramento 27-21 to cut the deficit to 88-86 heading into the 4th. However, both teams scored 28 points in the final period, leaving the Wolves just short of a comeback.

Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 30 points in their loss to the Kings, hitting 5 threes at 55.6% efficiency. Reid scored 16 points in the 1st quarter and added 10 more in the 4th. Jaden McDaniels contributed 22 points, with 8 coming in the 3rd quarter, while Anthony Edwards added 21 points, also scoring 8 in the 3rd.

The Timberwolves shot 45.7% from the field and made 12 threes at just 30% efficiency. Edwards connected on 3 threes, shooting 30% from deep, while McDaniels hit 2 threes at 28.6%.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the 3rd quarter, where they held the Kings to just 21 points, the Timberwolves couldn’t overcome a rough 1st quarter, giving up 38 points in a 116-114 loss. Minnesota allowed Sacramento to shoot 48% from the field for the game.

The Timberwolves did a solid job defending the three, allowing just 10 made threes on 41% shooting. They sent the Kings to the line 20 times, where Sacramento hit 16 free throws. Minnesota finished with 5 steals and 8 blocks.

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +11, the Bulls is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 226.5, and our model predicts the Bulls and Timberwolves to score a combined 204 points. We recommend betting on the under.

Want To Stay Ahead In NBA Betting?

Discover Proven Picks And Odds Now!

Join Us Now!

Timberwolves, Bulls Await Trade Deadline With Interest

As the NBA trade deadline looms on Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls will battle Wednesday night in Minneapolis—each with an eye on potential roster changes that could reshape their seasons.

Minnesota Seeks Home-Court Consistency

The Timberwolves (33-15) were a dominant home team last season, finishing 30-11 in Minneapolis. However, this season has been a different story as they sit at a mediocre 12-12 home record.

Head coach Chris Finch pointed to defensive struggles as the primary reason for the team’s lackluster home performances.

“When you look at the splits (for our home games), it comes down to the defense,” Finch said. “(Our) defensive energy is just, you know, we are bottom three, five in transition, rebounding, on-ball contain, off-ball pursuit. It’s effort categories.”

This matchup marks the third contest in a five-game homestand for Minnesota, which lost its first two games to the Washington Wizards (105-103) and Sacramento Kings (116-114).

The Timberwolves will need a bounce-back effort from Anthony Edwards, who shot 7-for-21 in Monday’s loss against Sacramento. Edwards (26.5 PPG) was returning from an illness and admitted feeling fatigued, but expects to be stronger moving forward.

The injury report for Minnesota remains concerning:

• Julius Randle (groin) is out, removing the team’s second-leading scorer (18.9 PPG).
• Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is also out, limiting Minnesota’s depth.

Veteran Mike Conley acknowledged that trade rumors have added to the team’s uncertainty.

“Put your ringers on loud, be ready for whatever,” Conley said. “When you see something like that, it’s such a surprise to everybody that two of the most untouchable guys out there, A.D. and Luka, (could be traded). So, for all of us, it puts us all on alert to try and get through it.”

Bulls Adjusting After Zach LaVine Trade

The Bulls (25-26) enter this game coming off a 133-124 home win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. However, they will be playing shorthanded after sending Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade.

Chicago received Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, and Tre Jones in return, but none of the newcomers are expected to play Wednesday as the front office weighs potentially flipping one or more of them before the trade deadline.

Despite the roster shakeup, rookie Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey stepped up against Miami, each scoring 24 points.

Buzelis, a Slam Dunk Contest participant at the All-Star Weekend, has gained confidence as his role increases.

“My confidence right now is high, but you’ve got to stay humble,” Buzelis said. “My dad always tells me the sun comes up tomorrow, so you’ve got to go back to work.”

Your Roadmap To Smarter Bets Starts Here—Visit The Expert Betting Guide.

The Bulls will try to complete a back-to-back sweep as they head into Minnesota looking to build momentum despite a fluid roster situation.

Key Players to Watch

• Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Needs to bounce back from a tough shooting night (7-for-21).
• Mike Conley (Timberwolves): A steadying presence amid trade rumors.
• Matas Buzelis (Bulls): Coming off a career-high 24-point game.
• Josh Giddey (Bulls): Had 24 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists vs. Miami.

Game Outlook

• The Timberwolves need a win to regain confidence at home and shake off back-to-back close losses.
• The Bulls are in flux, navigating roster changes while trying to extend a two-game winning streak.
• Trade deadline distractions could impact both teams, making roster stability and focus a key factor.

With uncertainty looming over both franchises, this matchup could serve as a reset point before final roster moves shake up the NBA landscape.