There are few things less reliable than the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. This has been true since well into last season, including that run to the Western Conference Finals. One thing even less reliable is Minnesota’s defense against overmatched foes.
The Chicago Bulls are certainly one of those overmatched foes, particularly after trading Zach LaVine over the weekend. Chicago received a decent haul in that trade, but none of those pieces will be available tonight.
My Bulls vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks will focus on one of Chicago’s remaining pieces, as Coby White should only shoot more against a disinterested Minnesota defense. Tip comes at 8 ET on Wednesday, February 5.
Bulls vs Timberwolves prediction
My best bet
Coby White Over 19.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
With Zach LaVine finally off to Sacramento — “finally” because LaVine originally signed a four-year offer sheet with the Kings back in 2018 when he was a restricted free agent — the Chicago Bulls’ rotation needs more shots from somewhere.
In the last month, LaVine has unsurprisingly led Chicago in usage rate at a hefty 28.4% of possessions ending in his hands. He's taken 19 shots per game, and those shots now need to go to somebody else. It will be Coby White, next on the usage rate listing at 24.6% and next in field goal attempts at 14.5.
White has always taken on more of a role without LaVine. In 35 games with LaVine this season, White’s usage rate has been 22.6%, and he's taken 13.8 shots per game. In nine games without LaVine, those numbers have ticked up to 27.6% and 16.7 shots per game.
A shooter in a similar position, because of the same trade, beat Minnesota on Monday; DeMar DeRozan poured in 33 points for Sacramento, clearing his points prop by 9.5 points. The Minnesota Timberwolves looked at the shorthanded Kings and did not take them seriously enough.
Some of that derived from Minnesota being shorthanded itself, down both Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, but most of it derived from the Timberwolves repeatedly letting themselves be easily distracted.
Coby White should be tonight’s beneficiary. The Bulls need someone to shoot the ball in LaVine’s absence, and that is usually White. In fact, he's cleared this points prop in the last three games, all without LaVine, as well as in six of nine games without LaVine this season.
Bulls vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Coby White Over 19.5 points
Coby White Over 4.5 assists
Bulls first half +6.5
White’s assists numbers also tick up without LaVine around, 4.4 assists per game in 35 games with LaVine and 5.8 assists per game in nine games without him. He's cleared this prop in seven of those nine games. The ball is simply in White’s hands that much more without LaVine on the court.
He should expect much of his success to come early. The Timberwolves have been multiple-bucket favorites in both of their two home games this week, and they trailed at halftime of both games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Bulls vs Timberwolves odds
Bulls vs Timberwolves live odds
Bulls vs Timberwolves opening odds
- Spread: Chicago +10.5 | Minnesota -10.5
- Moneyline: Chicago +425 | Minnesota -575
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 | Under 225.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Bulls vs Timberwolves spread and Over/Under analysis
- Minnesota opened as a 10.5-point favorite on Tuesday evening, ticking up to -11 by sunrise and then climbing to -11.5 midmorning on Wednesday.
- The Timberwolves are a laughable 5-18-1 against the spread at home this season.
- This total opened at 225.5 and climbed to 226.5 before Tuesday night was over. It peaked at 228 early Wednesday morning and then fell back to 226.5.
Bulls vs Timberwolves trend
The Timberwolves are 0-7 ATS in their last seven home games as a multiple-bucket favorite, dating back into mid-December. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Bulls vs Timberwolves
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Date | Wednesday, 2-5-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CHSN, FDSN North |
Bulls vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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