The Minnesota Timberwolves rolled into Chicago on December 29, 2025, looking to snap a two-game skid and reassert their dominance in the Western Conference. The United Center buzzed with anticipation as the Timberwolves, holding a 20-12 record and clinging to the sixth seed, faced a Chicago Bulls squad that had recently rediscovered its groove, winning six of their last eight before a tough defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams had plenty to prove, and the stakes were clear—every win counts in the tightly packed NBA standings, especially for Minnesota as they try to avoid the dreaded play-in tournament zone.
Tip-off was set for 8:00 PM Eastern, with fans tuning in across FanDuel Sports Network North, CHSN, and live streaming options like NBA League Pass and Fubo. The Timberwolves entered as 6.5-point favorites, with the betting line set at a hefty 243.5 total points—a nod to both teams’ offensive firepower. Oddsmakers gave Minnesota a 68.8% chance to win, but the Bulls had shown resilience as underdogs all season, winning 10 out of 16 games in that role.
For the Timberwolves, the road trip opener came at a critical juncture. They had just suffered an overtime heartbreaker to the Denver Nuggets, 142-138, followed by a surprising 123-107 home loss to the surging Brooklyn Nets. Anthony Edwards, the team’s dynamic young star, poured in 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting in that Nets loss, continuing his season-long tear with a 29.3 points-per-game average. Julius Randle, a key offseason acquisition, contributed 13 points and an impressive 11 assists, while Jaden McDaniels added 16 points on an efficient 7-of-11 from the field. Yet, the supporting cast struggled to keep pace, and the Timberwolves’ offense sputtered late.
"We know what we’re capable of, but we’ve got to execute for four quarters," said Edwards after the Brooklyn game, his words echoing the team’s need for consistency. Randle, too, acknowledged the urgency: "We can’t afford to let these games slip. Every night matters in the West."
Meanwhile, the Bulls were licking their wounds after a 112-103 loss to the Bucks, a game that snapped their five-game win streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated that contest, but Chicago’s own stars struggled to match his intensity. Coby White and Nikola Vucevic each chipped in 16 points, while Josh Giddey contributed 13 points and nine assists. However, the Bulls shot just 42% from the field, and their offense never quite found its rhythm.
Despite the setback, the Bulls’ recent run had pulled them within striking distance of .500 at 15-16. White leads the team with a 20.5 points-per-game average, while Giddey’s near triple-double numbers—19.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 9.1 rebounds per game—have transformed Chicago’s backcourt into one of the league’s most versatile. But the injury bug struck again, as Zach Collins, fresh off a strong stretch since returning from a wrist injury, was ruled out with a toe problem. "Zach’s been huge for us, especially on the glass and defensively," said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. "We’ll need everyone to step up against a big Minnesota front line."
Indeed, the Timberwolves’ size presented a formidable challenge. With Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint (11.3 points, 11 rebounds per game), Randle’s inside-out threat, and Naz Reid’s energy off the bench, Minnesota boasted one of the NBA’s more balanced frontcourts. The Timberwolves’ net rating ranked eighth in the league, a stark contrast to the Bulls’ 25th overall. Chicago’s ability to attack downhill—especially when Gobert sat—was highlighted as a key to keeping pace. As noted by local analyst Elias Schuster, "This is the kind of game where the Bulls must have a downhill mentality, especially when Gobert is off the floor."
Injury reports added another layer of intrigue. Minnesota was missing Terrence Shannon Jr. (foot), while the Bulls’ list included Lachlan Olbrich (ankle), Trentyn Flowers (knee), and Noa Essengue (shoulder, out for season), in addition to Collins. Josh Giddey, who had been questionable with an ankle tweak, was cleared to play, providing a much-needed boost to Chicago’s backcourt rotation.
The matchup also featured some intriguing statistical parallels. Both teams averaged 118.8 points per game, tied for ninth in the NBA, but their defensive profiles diverged: Minnesota allowed just 114.7 points per game (11th), while Chicago surrendered 122 (26th). The Timberwolves had outscored opponents by a total of 131 points on the season (a 4.1 per-game margin), while the Bulls had been outscored by 98 (3.2 per game). When Minnesota topped 122 points, their record was an impressive 8-1, while Chicago was 12-7 when clearing 114.7 points.
Projected starting lineups reflected the teams’ current health and depth. For Chicago: Josh Giddey, Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vucevic. For Minnesota: Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert. Both benches would play a pivotal role, especially with several rotation players sidelined.
Beyond the numbers, the game represented a crossroads for both franchises. The Timberwolves, eager to prove their early-season surge was no fluke, needed to avoid a third straight loss and maintain their edge in the crowded Western playoff picture. The Bulls, on the other hand, were seeking validation for their recent hot streak and a chance to climb back to .500, even as injuries tested their depth.
As the action tipped off, fans were treated to a classic clash of styles: Minnesota’s size and defensive discipline against Chicago’s up-tempo, guard-driven attack. Would Edwards’ star power shine through, or could White and Giddey deliver a statement win for the Bulls? The answer, as always in the NBA, would come down to execution, hustle, and a little bit of luck.
With the Timberwolves opening a four-game road trip and the Bulls hungry to rebound from their recent loss, the stage was set for a high-scoring, hard-fought battle in Chicago. As the game unfolded, all eyes remained glued to the hardwood—because in a season this competitive, every possession counts.
