Timberwolves Dominate Bulls in Chicago Showdown
Monday, December 29, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · United Center
Minnesota Timberwolves 136, Chicago Bulls 101, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls?
Minnesota Timberwolves beat Chicago Bulls 136-101 at United Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls?
Minnesota Timberwolves were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Timberwolves delivered a commanding performance against the Chicago Bulls, securing a decisive 136-101 victory at the United Center. This win extends Minnesota's lead in the season series, now at 2-0 against the Bulls. The Timberwolves have shown consistent strength this season, boasting a record of 21 wins and 12 losses, while the Bulls sit at 15 wins and 17 losses.
In their recent form, the Bulls have struggled, recording a 6-4 record over their last 10 games, but they are currently on a one-game losing streak. Their average points scored during this stretch is 118.2, while they have allowed an average of 120.6 points per game. In contrast, the Timberwolves have also gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings, but they are currently on a two-game losing streak. Their average points scored is 114.3, with an average of 112.9 points allowed.
When considering home and away performances, the Bulls have a home record of 2-4 in their last six games, while the Timberwolves have fared better on the road with a 5-3 record. The Bulls have struggled at home recently, with their last five games yielding a record of 4-1, averaging 125.2 points scored and 122.4 points allowed.
In terms of previous meetings, the Timberwolves have had the upper hand against the Bulls this season, winning both encounters. The most recent matchup prior to this game was on February 6, 2025, where the Timberwolves triumphed 127-108. In their earlier meeting on November 8, 2024, the Timberwolves also emerged victorious with a score of 135-119.
Injuries have impacted the Bulls, with Dailyn Swain, Zach Collins, Josh Giddey, and Rob Dillingham all listed as day-to-day. The Timberwolves will be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is out due to an Achilles injury.
The betting market reflected the Timberwolves' strong position heading into the game, with DraftKings setting the odds at Minnesota -6.5 and a total of 243.5 points for the game. The money line was listed at +180 for the Bulls and -218 for the Timberwolves, indicating a clear expectation of a Timberwolves victory.
The game conditions at the United Center were typical for a winter night in Chicago, providing a solid backdrop for the matchup. Viewers were able to watch for standout performances from players like Johnny Juzang, who contributed significantly to the Timberwolves' scoring, and Ayo Dosunmu, who managed to score late in the game for the Bulls.
Overall, the Timberwolves' performance showcased their offensive prowess and defensive capabilities, further solidifying their position in the league as they continue to build momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -6.5 | 243.5 o -110 / u -110 | Minnesota Timberwolves -218 · Chicago Bulls +180 |
Injury report
- Dailyn SwainDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Josh GiddeyDay-To-DayAnkleChicago Bulls
- Rob DillinghamDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
- Donte DiVincenzoOutAchillesMinnesota Timberwolves
Leaders
- PointsNikola Vucevic23Chicago Bulls
- AssistsAyo Dosunmu7Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsJalen Smith6Chicago Bulls
- PointsNaz Reid33Minnesota Timberwolves
- AssistsJulius Randle14Minnesota Timberwolves
- ReboundsRudy Gobert10Minnesota Timberwolves
Recent form
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1118.2 scored · 120.6 allowed per game2-4 at home
- L103-112vs Milwaukee BucksDec 28
- W109-102vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 27
- W126-123at Atlanta HawksDec 24
- W152-150at Atlanta HawksDec 21
- W136-125at Cleveland CavaliersDec 20
- W127-111vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 18
- L104-114vs New Orleans PelicansDec 15
- W129-126at Charlotte HornetsDec 13
- L91-123vs Golden State WarriorsDec 8
- L105-120vs Indiana PacersDec 6
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last 10: 6-4Streak L2114.3 scored · 112.9 allowed per game1-1 away
- L107-123vs Brooklyn NetsDec 28
- L138-142at Denver NuggetsDec 26
- W115-104vs New York KnicksDec 24
- W103-100vs Milwaukee BucksDec 22
- W112-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderDec 20
- L110-116vs Memphis GrizzliesDec 18
- W117-103vs Sacramento KingsDec 15
- W127-120at Golden State WarriorsDec 13
- L105-108vs Phoenix SunsDec 9
- W109-106vs LA ClippersDec 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Timberwolves | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 51-95 | 38-93 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 15-37 | 13-38 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 34 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 12-14 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 32 |
| Assists | 32 | 25 |
| Steals | 9 | 3 |
| Blocks | 9 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 60 | 50 |
| Fouls | 12 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 41 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 69 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter90-75Nikola Vucevic makes layup (Tre Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter92-75Anthony Edwards makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter95-75Naz Reid makes 23-foot three point jumper (Julius Randle assists)
- 3rd Quarter95-77Tre Jones makes 1-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter95-78Tre Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-78Naz Reid makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter98-79Isaac Okoro makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-80Isaac Okoro makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-80Naz Reid makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter100-80Naz Reid makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-80Naz Reid makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-83Nikola Vucevic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter104-83Naz Reid makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden McDaniels assists)
- 4th Quarter105-83Naz Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-83Naz Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-83Mike Conley makes layup (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter108-85Tre Jones makes running layup (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter110-85Julius Randle makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-85Donte DiVincenzo makes 31-foot three point jumper (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter113-87Matas Buzelis makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter114-87Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-87Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-87Julius Randle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-87Julius Randle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-90Matas Buzelis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Patrick Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter119-90Jaylen Clark makes 1-foot reverse layup (Julius Randle assists)
- 4th Quarter121-90Naz Reid makes two point shot (Donte DiVincenzo assists)
- 4th Quarter123-90Jaylen Clark makes layup
- 4th Quarter123-92Ayo Dosunmu makes running dunk
- 4th Quarter124-92Leonard Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-95Patrick Williams makes 27-foot running jump shot (Dalen Terry assists)
- 4th Quarter126-95Jaylen Clark makes 1-foot layup
- 4th Quarter127-95Jaylen Clark makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter129-95Leonard Miller makes running layup (Johnny Juzang assists)
- 4th Quarter132-95Rob Dillingham makes 27-foot three point jumper (Johnny Juzang assists)
- 4th Quarter134-95Rob Dillingham makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter136-95Johnny Juzang makes 7-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter136-97Julian Phillips makes 1-foot dunk (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
- 4th Quarter136-99Ayo Dosunmu makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter136-101Ayo Dosunmu makes 1-foot two point shot (Patrick Williams assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Bulls, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance21429
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Andy Nagy, Nate Cearley
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