Chicago Bulls vs Timberwolves Prediction 17 October 2026
🏀 Chicago is set to host an NBA preseason clash as the hometown Bulls take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams have already played several games: the Bulls have split their results with two wins and two losses, while the Timberwolves have picked up one more victory with the same number of defeats. This matchup offers a perfect opportunity to gauge how far these revamped rosters have come ahead of the regular season tip-off.
Head-to-Head
📊The most recent head-to-head took place on 23 January 2026 in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves fell short, losing 115-120. However, over their last five encounters, Minnesota hold a slight edge with a 3-2 advantage in wins.
Head-to-head statistics Chicago Bulls - Timberwolves
Chicago: fast-paced basketball, but with a glaring hole in the paint
Chicago head into this matchup riding a wave of momentum after dismantling Milwaukee 125-104, forcing 30 turnovers and racking up 43 fast-break points. Head coach Splitter has already announced he’ll tighten the rotation for the final preseason games, aiming to get his starters into a regular season rhythm. That means more minutes for Powell, Jones, Okoro, and Hield.
The Bulls’ starting five against Milwaukee featured Giddey, Powell, Buzelis, Wilson, and Smith - a lineup that played with pace, athleticism, and aggression in transition. Chicago capitalised on turnovers and punished Milwaukee with quick breaks. However, replicating that success against Minnesota could be a challenge. Gobert will lock down the paint, and in preseason, the Timberwolves have been disciplined with the ball, rarely turning it over. With Claxton and Collins still sidelined through injury, Chicago lack answers for Gobert and Kuminga under their own basket.
Match Results: Chicago Bulls
Minnesota are already making a statement with their offense this October.
Minnesota are showing solid form in preseason, winning three out of five games so far. The Timberwolves are averaging over 120 points per game and look like one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league during this stretch. The franchise made the biggest splash in the Western Conference this offseason by signing Ball and Kuminga. Alongside Edwards, McDaniels, and Gobert, they’ve formed a starting five that has looked downright intimidating in preseason matchups.
And that’s despite the fact that, for example, LaMelo still isn’t at his best physically - he put up 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Knicks a few days ago - but his court vision and ability to create shots for teammates are already transforming Chris Finch’s offense. One issue for the club in this game is the absence of Dosunmu, who will be rested ahead of the fast-approaching regular season. His minutes will be shared between Shannon, Evans, and Hyland. Even so, Minnesota’s depth remains superior to Chicago’s.
Match Results: Minnesota Timberwolves
Total Points Prediction
Historically, these teams tend to rack up plenty of points in their head-to-head clashes: the hosts average 107.2 points per game, while the visitors post 108.7. Over their last ten outings, Chicago are putting up an average of 103.6 points (slightly lower at home: 101.2), whereas Minnesota are averaging 108.6 (and an impressive 112 exactly on the road). There's also a strong trend worth noting: the total has gone over 234.5 in 12 of the last 13 NBA meetings between these sides. We're backing over 234.5 points at odds of 1.92.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Chicago are at home, and if the Bulls find their rhythm from beyond the arc and force Gobert out to the perimeter, they’ll open up driving lanes to the basket. However, without true centers, Spittler’s squad will struggle to contain Gobert and Kuminga in the paint. Both teams like to push the pace - Minnesota average over 120 points per game, while Chicago concede 121.5 points per 100 possessions. In this final preseason game, expect both franchises to give extended minutes to their starters, which should only boost scoring further. Our pick: over 231.5 total points.
Will this prediction come true?
No comments
Betting Tips: Chicago Bulls - Minnesota Timberwolves
in 10 of last 11 games (NBA).in 8 of last 9 away games (NBA).in 7 of last 8 home games (NBA).in last 5 home games (NBA).in 12 of last 13 Chicago Bulls games against Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA).
Other predictions
