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Following a brief one-game respite on Friday, the Chicago Bulls' demanding schedule persists as they travel to Minnesota for the second half of a back-to-back set.
Making matters more difficult, the Bulls were forced to play five additional minutes of basketball less than 24 hours prior. This is a scenario where the team's younger players will need to step up and provide energy.
Game Details
Who: Chicago Bulls (2-9) at Minnesota Timberwolves (9-3)
Where: Target Center
When: 7:00 PM CT
Watch: Chicago Sports Network
Listen: 104.3 FM The Score
Three Things to Know
1. Ayo Dosunmu's Revenge Game
With Anthony Edwards sidelined, former Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu has been unleashed for Minnesota. He is enjoying the best start of his career, averaging 18.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. In typical Dosunmu fashion, his scoring efficiency has been borderline elite, shooting 52.2% from the field and 46.9% from three-point range. The Bulls know his game well, but that doesn't mean they can stop it. He is an excellent downhill player who can torch the first line of defense.
2. Timberwolves' Balanced Attack
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the NBA's best teams this season, maintaining success even without Anthony Edwards. Chris Finch's squad is incredibly well-balanced, currently holding a league-best 13.4 net rating. Defense remains their calling card, allowing just 105 points per game. They rank top-7 in forced turnovers and third in opponent field goal percentage. While some of that may be due to facing weaker offenses, their starting lineup featuring Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga, and Dosunmu boasts significant strength and length. Especially on the back end of a back-to-back, it's not an ideal matchup for an extra-tired team.
3. Clash of Styles
These two teams play contrasting brands of basketball. Both can play uptempo thanks to their lead guards, but Minnesota runs the most isolation possessions in the NBA and ranks bottom-10 in passes made per game. Meanwhile, the Bulls emphasize off-ball movement and finding open teammates in transition. The clash of styles should make for an intriguing scoring night.
Projected Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls
1. Josh Giddey
2. Isaac Okoro
3. Norman Powell
4. Matas Buzelis
5. Jalen Smith
Minnesota Timberwolves
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Ayo Dosunmu
3. Jonathan Kuminga
4. Jaden McDaniels
5. Rudy Gobert
Injury Report
Jalen Smith was forced to exit Friday's game at the beginning of overtime. The big man suffered a hard fall underneath the basket, landing on the same hand where he already had injured fingers. Smith said after the game that he didn't believe it was anything major and hoped to play 24 hours later in Minnesota.
Bulls:
Dailyn Swain - QUESTIONABLE (disc)
Caleb Wilson - OUT (hand)
Tobe Awaka - OUT (disc)
Timberwolves:
Anthony Edwards - OUT (knee)
Donte DiVincenzo - OUT (Achilles)
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