Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 29 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Illinois on Monday. This will be their first meeting of the season as both teams enter the matchup with losses in their previous games.

Minnesota took a tough 123–107 loss at home to the Brooklyn Nets, while Chicago also came up short, falling 112–103 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite the defeat, the Timberwolves remain sixth in the Western Conference at 20–12. The Bulls, meanwhile, stay ninth in the East with a 15–16 record.

This game also marks the start of the Timberwolves’ four-game road trip out East, where they’ll look to test their solid 8–6 road record against the Bulls’ 8–7 mark at home.

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Timberwolves -218, Bulls +180

Spread: Timberwolves -5.5 (-110), Bulls -5.5 (-110)

Total over/under (o/u): Timberwolves o239.5 (-110), Bulls u239.5 (-110)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves' defeat to the Nets on Saturday marked their first back-to-back losses since late November. After riding a three-game winning streak before the setback, Minnesota will look to regroup and bounce back as its road trip through the East gets underway.

Their lack of consistency is due to their mediocre performances on both ends of the court. Offensively, Minnesota is averaging 118.8 ppg, the 12th-best mark in the league, while defensively, they are slightly better, allowing 114.7 ppg, 11th in the NBA.

Unsurprisingly, Anthony Edwards remains their best scorer, averaging 29.3 ppg. However, Julius Randle has been their most consistent player, appearing in all 32 games and recording 22.6 ppg and 7.0 rpg.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls enter this matchup hoping to bounce back quickly following their loss on Saturday. The defeat snapped their six-game winning streak, and the Bulls will be eager to avoid another downturn as they experienced earlier in the season.

Chicago's positive momentum can be credited to its offense. Creating the fifth most chances with 29.5 apg, the Bulls are the 10th best offensive team, averaging 118.8 ppg. However, their defense has been shambolic, allowing 122.0 ppg, the third-worst mark in the NBA.

Josh Giddey remains Chicago's most consistent performer, averaging 19.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 9.2 apg. However, Coby White has been impressive since returning from injury, recording 20.5 points in 15 appearances.

In terms of injuries, the Bulls carry the heavier load, with Josh Giddey and Lachlan Olbrich listed as questionable, while Noah Essengue and Zach Collis are both out. Meanwhile, Minnesota will be without Terrance Shannon Jr.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls predicted starting fives

Minnesota Timberwolves predicted starting five

PG- Donte DiVincenzo, SG- Anthony Edwards, SF- Jaden McDaniels, PF- Julius Randle, C- Rudy Gobert

Chicago Bulls predicted starting five

PG- Coby White, SG- Ayo Dosunmu, SF- Isaac Okoro, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Vucevic

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls betting tips

Anthony Edwards is expected to score over 30.5 points. He is averaging 29.3 ppg this season.

Coby White is projected to score over 18.5 points. He is averaging 20.5 ppg this season.

Nikola Vucevic is expected to collect over 7.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.0 rpg.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls prediction

The Minnesota Timberwolves are -5.5 favorites on the spread despite riding a two-game losing streak. This is mainly due to their better overall record and with the Bulls missing key players the Timberwolves should secure a win.

Prediction: Minnesota to win by 5 points or more.

Edited by Arian Kashyap