Despite both being in playoff positions, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls stood pat during yesterday’s trade deadline. So, they’ll push forward with what they’ve got starting tonight when they face off in Chicago.
The Bulls are short home favorites but the real number of interest here is the NBA betting total, which is sitting at a ridiculously high 241. Even with two high-octane offenses going head-to-head would anyone dare take the Over on a number this big?
Find out in our free NBA picks and predictions for Timberwolves vs. Bulls on February 11.
Timberwolves vs Bulls odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Bulls opened this matchup as 4-point home chalk but the Timberwolves have seen the early money, moving the line down to 3. Meanwhile, the total for this matchup hit the board at a crazy 240 and has even risen to 241 at some shops.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Timberwolves vs Bulls predictions
- Prediction: Bulls -3 (-110)
- Prediction: Under 241.5 (-110)
- Best bet: Nikola Vucevic Over 12.5 rebounds (+100)
Predictions made on 2/11/2022 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Timberwolves vs Bulls game info
• Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Date: Friday, February 11, 2022
• Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: BSN, NBCS-CHI
Timberwolves vs Bulls betting preview
Key injuries
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards SF (Questionable), D'Angelo Russell PG (Questionable), Patrick Beverley PG (Questionable).
Bulls: Nikola Vucevic C (Questionable), Ayo Dosunmu PG (Questionable), Alex Caruso SG (Out), Patrick Williams PF (Out), Lonzo Ball (Out).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Timberwolves are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as an underdog while the Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last six at home. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Bulls.
Timberwolves vs Bulls picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
The Timberwolves just saw their five-game winning streak snapped against the Kings but there is no denying the way their offense has been humming. The combination of Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D’Angelo Russell has found their groove, and over 17 games dating back to Jan. 7, the Wolves lead the NBA in offensive rating and scoring offense.
However, if there is a team that can keep up with them, it’s the Bulls. Led by DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the Bulls, who sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, are just 3-4 over their last seven games but have put up at least 120 points six times over that stretch and rank fifth in the NBA in offensive rating.
When it comes to defense, both teams have some work to do. Since the calendar flipped over to 2022, Chicago ranks just 26th in defensive rating while Minnesota is slightly better at No. 17.
Now, normally in a situation like where two strong offensive teams with bad defenses meet, I’m inclined to lean towards the underdog. However, with Edwards and Russell both questionable for this matchup, laying the small chalk with the home team looks like the way to go.
Prediction: Bulls -3 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
On to the main event for this matchup. The sky-high total of 241 is one of the highest totals of this NBA season, and it makes sense. Since Jan. 27, both teams have played eight games and the Wolves are scoring a league-high 125.6 points per game, while the Bulls are third putting up 121.6. At the same time, the Wolves rank 22nd in defensive rating and the Bulls 28th.
They are also a combined 14-2 to the Over over that span, and frankly, if you check out the matchup page for this game you’ll see they have been cruising Over big numbers. All that said, this is almost a principle bet. I see a number this high and I have to take the Under.
Additionally, seeing all the players on the Wolves' injury report is a little concerning. On top of that, while I did rag on the Minnesota defense a bit, it actually ranks a respectable 14th in defensive rating for the season, and the Bulls are coming off a game where they held the high-flying Hornets to just 109 points.
Prediction: Under 241.5 (-110)
Best bet
With a game expected to have this bunch scoring, you know there is going to be a ton of shots. Which in turn means plenty of opportunities to grab some rebounds. And the person who could grab the most is Bulls center Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic has a high rebounding total of 12.5 for this matchup but has been a beast on the boards of late. The Bulls’ center is averaging 13.5 rebounds per game over his last 10 games and has hauled down 13 boards or more seven times over that stretch.
Tonight, he faces a Wolves team that ranks 22nd in rebounding percentage and 23rd in opponent rebounds per game. Getting the Over at even money looks like great value.
Pick: Nikola Vucevic Over 12.5 rebounds (+100)
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