NEWSLETTER
Annoyed by the trade deadline? Don’t be!
The Bulls still have a chance to add, so take a look at some of the ways they can still improve this roster before the game:
After a Quiet Trade Deadline, Here Are Some Buyout Candidates the Bulls Might Want to Considerhttps://t.co/uvD05hDKKO pic.twitter.com/Er3hhhzDU1
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) February 11, 2022
Game Info
Minnesota Timberwolves (29-26) at Chicago Bulls (34-21) – 7:00 p.m. CT on ESPN/NBC Sports Chicago (TV), and 670 The Score (Radio)
Projected Starters
Chicago Bulls
1. Ayo Dosunmu
2. Zach LaVine
3. DeMar DeRozan
4. Javonte Green
5. Nikola Vučević
Injury Report: Patrick Williams OUT (Wrist), Lonzo Ball OUT (knee), Derrick Jones Jr. OUT (knee), Alex Caruso OUT (Wrist), Ayo Dosunmu QUESTIONABLE (Concussion), Nikola Vucevic PROBABLE (hip)
Ayo Dosunmu has passed League concussion protocols but Bulls are waiting for league clearance to see if he plays tonight. “We’re hopeful,” Billy Donovan said.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 11, 2022
Minnesota Timberwolves
1. D’Angelo Russell
2. Anthony Edwards
3. Jaden McDaniels
4. Jarred Vanderbilt
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
Injury Report: Anthony Edwards QUESTIONABLE (knee), D’Angelo Russell QUESTIONABLE (shin), Naz Reid QUESTIONABLE (knee), Taurean Prince QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Josh Okogie QUESTIONABLE (quadriceps), Patrick Beverley QUESTIONABLE (ankle)
What to Watch For …
• These are not your same old Minnesota Timberwolves. Currently sitting 7th in the Western Conference, Karl-Anthony Towns is playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career. The All-Star is averaging 24.3 points behind a 52.1 percent performance from the field and 40.6 percent clip from downtown. He is one of the most versatile big men in the league, and the Bulls will need Nikola Vucevic to keep up on both ends of the floor. Fortunately, Vucevic has been able to do just that in recent weeks. The Bulls center has played like his All-Star self, averaging 22.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in the last 10 contests.
• Anthony Edwards is playing like a No. 1-overall pick. If he suits up tonight, he could spell big trouble for a depleted Bulls backcourt, especially if Ayo Dosunmu remains sidelined with his concussion. Edwards can score with the best of them when he gets in a groove, and his 225lb frame at the guard position allows for him to be a bulldozing force on his way to the rim.
• Not many teams can stop this Chicago Bulls offense, and I don’t expect the Timberwolves will, but I would keep an eye out for the lesser-known starters like Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels. Those two are a big reason why this Timberwolves defense ranks 13th in the NBA. They are both young and switchable role players with great length (and we know how those kinds of players can give this Bulls team fits).
• The Timberwolves like to play fast. Edwards and Co. average the 3rd-highest PACE in the NBA, and they also score the 5th-most fastbreak points per game. Only three teams take more shots with 18-22 seconds left on the shot clock than the T-Wolves. Good thing the Bulls are also plenty comfortable playing in transition!
