Poor Chicago.
Not only has this season been an expected mess on the court, but fans now lose any reason to tune in without their rookie for the next one to two months. Now they get the red-hot Timberwolves? A rough season just got rufffff.
Game Info
- Who: Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3) vs. Chicago Bulls (1-9)
- When: Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 PM CT
- Where: Target Center — Minneapolis, MN
- Local TV: DAZN-MIN
- Radio: 830 WCCO
The Numbers
Wolves
OFFRTG: 117.2 (7th)DEFRTG: 103.8 (1st)
NETRTG: +13.4 (1st)
eFG%: 56.1 (3rd)
FTr: .279 (17th)
TOV%: 15.7 (16th)
OREB%: 35.9 (3rd)
PACE: 101.08 (7th)
FBPS: 16.1 (11th)
2nd PTS: 18.3 (3rd)
PITP: 52.5 (4th)
Bulls
OFFRTG: 109.2 (25th)DEFRTG: 124.2 (30th)
NETRTG: -15.1 (30th)
eFG%: 50.3 (28th)
FTr: .346 (5th)
TOV%: 15.8 (17th)
OREB%: 31.3 (16th)
PACE: 103.75 (1st)
FBPS: 15.6 (16th)
2nd PTS: 15.6 (16th)
PITP: 49.4 (8th)
What to Watch For
Revenge game watch
Is Leonard Miller primed for a Medium Player Explosion (MPE)? He’s averaging just 6.3 points in 15.9 minutes per game, but recent news broke that rookie sensation Caleb Wilson would be out over a month due to a broken right hand. A terribly unfortunate break for the
worst team in the NBA. It does leave a gaping hole in production and the former Wolves legend (both Minnesota and Iowa) will certainly have an opportunity to step up. Expect Chicago’s injury report to be lengthy as they’ll be on the end of a back-to-back.
On Minnesota’s side, I am expecting a revenge game from Ayo Dosunmu. He will finally be playing in his first game against his former team. A few weeks ago, Ayo penned a touching piece on The Players’ Tribune where he discussed being able to play in the comforts of his hometown. From college at University of Illinois, to the pros with the Chicago Bulls, Ayo has finally spread his wings away from home. I’m penciling in a cool 30-point performance from Dosunmu.
Let’s also not rule out a breakout game for Terrence Shannon Jr. Just like Dosunmu, TJ is also a Chicago native who finished his college career as an Fighting Illini. Both should have a field day attacking the cup against the 30th ranked team in points given up in the paint.
Keep your hands to yourselves
Chicago has an interestingly high free throw rate. Why is that? Norman Powell is sixth in free threes attempted per game (8.6) and second in free throw rate (35.7). Well, the former Bruin has missed a handful of the Bulls last games. Nic Claxton (two games played) and Matas Buzelis both average 4.1 FTA per game which would lead the Wolves behind Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
How will Chicago score without their two leading scorers in Powell and Wilson? One thing the Wolves can do is avoid gifting them free points at the charity stripe, no matter if Powell is in or not. Josh Giddey was a decent foul merchant a season ago, but is below average scoring the ball otherwise. Buzelis is at his best attacking the rim, but is having a very disappointing third rookie season. Tre Jones has typically been a thorn in the side of his hometown team. Maybe the power of goggles will power Jalen Smith at Target Center?
Prediction
The Wolves recall what happened to them when they last played the Bulls 10 months ago. Minnesota dropped their fourth straight game against a lowly Chicago team by blowing a late fourth quarter lead (Ayo scored eight points against the Wolves that game!) On Saturday, they will exact revenge and throttle a lifeless Bulls team with a 27-point first half lead, cruising to an easy victory. Ayo scores 84 points by himself.
Wolves reign supreme, 131-110.
