The Chicago Bulls (21-40) will attempt to snap their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves (18-42) at Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
The Bulls come in on a high note after barely hanging on to beat the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, 109-107, as 6.5-point underdogs at PointsBet. The game’s combined points (216) finished under the projected point total of 220. Chicago’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Dallas. The Bulls had a rate of 12.1 (better than their season average of 13.1), while the Mavericks posted a mark of 14.7 (above their season average of 10.8). Chicago was lifted by Coby White, who led the team in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
In the Timberwolves’ previous matchup, they beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 139-134, but were unable to cover as 6-point favorites. The game’s combined points (273) finished well over the projected point total of 243.5. Converting at the free throw line was one of Minnesota’s biggest strengths. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Pelicans were just 16-27 (59.3 percent). With 13 points and 14 rebounds, Minnesota’s Naz Reid put together a solid outing.
Opposite styles will be on display in this matchup. Minnesota prefers to play up-tempo (first in possessions per game), while Chicago is more half-court-oriented (17th in possessions per game).
Chicago heads into the contest with records of 21-40 straight up (SU) and 27-33-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bulls’ 61 games, 33 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 18-42 SU and 20-37-2 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 59 games with betting action, 34 have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. White (27 points) has been great for the Bulls while Malik Beasley (18 points) has made solid contributions to the Timberwolves.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Timberwolves lost 117-110, unable to cover as 1-point underdogs. Karl-Anthony Towns led both teams with 40 points and also recorded six rebounds. The game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 8 points above the projected point total of 219 points. The Bulls made 30 of their 37 free throws (81.1 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 15.7).
Bulls at Timberwolves Betting Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Chicago is 13-16 ATS with 17 overs, 11 unders and 1 push.
At home, Minnesota is 6-22-1 ATS with 15 overs and 14 unders.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Chicago is 5-3 and Minnesota is 2-1.
The Timberwolves are 17-34 when they score more than 100 points, while the Bulls are 21-25.
Minnesota averages 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Chicago ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.9).
The Bulls rank first in points off turnovers per game (21.2) while the Timberwolves rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.9).
Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (8.7) while Chicago ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Bulls average 49.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Timberwolves rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.9).
Minnesota ranks 15th in rebounds per game (45.1) while Chicago ranks 28th (42.0).
The Timberwolves rank 12th in assists allowed per game (24.2) while the Bulls rank 25th (25.4).
Chicago averages 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.8).
The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.9) while the Bulls rank ninth (35.2).
Chicago ranks seventh in fast break points per game (15.1) while Minnesota ranks 12th in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
In its last five outings, Chicago is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 3.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 121.4 points per game (8.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 129.2 points per game (11.8 above their season average).