The Chicago Bulls are home at the United Center today to face the Minnesota Timberwolves as they look to win their third consecutive game.
It will be a test for the Chicago Bulls and its young core tonight as they play their final home game of 2018.
The Bulls enter the matchup against the Timberwolves with back-to-back victories over the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves will look to extend their winning streak to two games.
Among the aspects of the game to watch for is the battle between big men.
Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen will take to the court having scored 30-plus points in back-to-back games.
Since moving All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns continues to fare well, which further validates the franchise’s decision this past summer to award a five-year, $190 million super-maximum contract extension.
Both teams met last month only for the Bulls to fall short. Since then, the Bulls have undergone a staff change by ousting then-Head Coach Fred Hoiberg in favor of Jim Boylen.
In order to win, the Bulls need to learn to trust the process. The growing pains the team has endured to this point are expected.
It cannot go unnoted how much more efficiently the Bulls have played offensively and defensively as of lately. The hope is the Bulls are starting to establish a winning culture.
With a new style of play and roster faced with injuries, the Bulls will have their hands full with the Timberwolves. Rumor has it, Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose is questionable to play, but may be available by tip-off.
The Timberwolves have learned during their previous matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder they need to work on utilizing Andrew Wiggins more. Wiggins had, by far, played his best overall game of the 2018-19 season.
Closing out the year on a positive note is projected to be a challenge for the Bulls.
However, the Timberwolves would be remised to let the Bulls and its young core run away with a victory. With a 9-25 record, the Bulls are more stacked with talent than meets the eye.
Tonight will be the final matchup of the regular season between the Bulls and Timberwolves.
Injury report
For the Bulls: Denzel Valentine (left ankle), Bobby Portis (right ankle) have been ruled out for tonight’s game. Zach LaVine (left ankle) is hopeful to play.
For the Timberwolves: Jeff Teague (left ankle) will be ruled out, and Derrick Rose (ankle) is questionable for tonight’s game.
Projected starters
For the Bulls: PG—Kris Dunn, SG—Ryan Arcidiacono, SF—Justin Holiday, PF—Lauri Markkanen, C—Wendell Carter Jr.
For the Timberwolves: PG—Tyus Jones, SG—Andrew Wiggins, SF—Robert Covington, PF—Taj Gibson, C—Karl-Anthony Towns
If you decide to tune in…
The following is information on how to catch the game:
Game: Bulls-Timberwolves
When: Wednesday, Dec. 26
Where: United Center
Tip-off time: 7:00 p.m. CST
Live stream: WSCR-670, NBC Sports Chicago