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NBA · Final

Bulls Dominate Timberwolves in Home Victory

Friday, October 16, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · United Center

Chicago Bulls 133, Minnesota Timberwolves 116, 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?

Chicago Bulls beat Minnesota Timberwolves 133-116 at United Center on October 16, 2026.

Who was favored in Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls?

Chicago Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.

The Chicago Bulls secured a decisive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning 133-116 at the United Center. This game showcased the Bulls' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, improving their home record to 4-6 over the last ten games. The Bulls have recently been on a positive trajectory, having won their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 125-104. In contrast, the Timberwolves, who now hold a 3-3 away record, suffered a loss to the Detroit Pistons prior to this matchup, falling 106-128.

In terms of scoring, the Bulls averaged 116.2 points over their last ten games while allowing an average of 119.6 points. Their recent form has seen them score 121.0 points and allow 121.4 points in their last five games. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, averaged 120.1 points and allowed 119.2 points in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 116.2 points and 115.2 points allowed in their last five games.

The Bulls and Timberwolves have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning one game. The Bulls lost to the Timberwolves 101-136 in their previous meeting on December 30, 2025, but rebounded with a victory in their later encounter on January 23, 2026, winning 120-115.

In terms of injuries, both teams dealt with several players listed as day-to-day. For the Bulls, Tobe Awaka (knee), Isaac Okoro (undisclosed), Zach Collins (toe), and Nic Claxton (hamstring) were all uncertain for the game. The Timberwolves also faced similar challenges, with Enrique Freeman (shoulder), Rocco Zikarsky (undisclosed), Trey Lyles (rest), Bones Hyland (rest), and Jonathan Kuminga (rest) all listed as day-to-day.

The market had priced the Bulls as 6.5-point favorites, with a total set at 234.5 points according to DraftKings. The odds reflected the Bulls' strong home performance and the Timberwolves' struggles in their previous game.

The conditions at the United Center were favorable for a high-scoring game, and viewers were treated to an exciting display of offensive prowess. Key plays included Drew Timme's driving layup and a 29-foot three-point jumper from Drew Peterson, both in the fourth quarter, which helped secure the Bulls' lead.

Overall, this matchup highlighted the Bulls' ability to perform well at home against a Timberwolves team that has shown inconsistency in their recent outings.

What we said beforehand

The Chicago Bulls will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center on October 17, 2026, in what promises to be a compelling matchup. This game marks the beginning of their series, which will continue on November 14. Both teams have shown glimpses of potential this season, making this fixture worth watching as they look to build momentum.

The Bulls currently hold a home record of 2-2 and are coming off a recent victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 125-104. This win snapped a three-game losing streak, which included losses to the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Denver Nuggets. In their last five games, the Bulls have a record of 2-3, averaging 121.0 points scored while allowing 121.4 points per game. Their overall performance this season shows a scoring average of 116.2 points per game, but they have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 119.6 points.

On the other hand, the Timberwolves have a slightly better away record of 3-2. They are coming off a loss to the Detroit Pistons, where they fell 106-128, ending a two-game winning streak that included victories over the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. In their last five games, the Timberwolves have a record of 3-2, averaging 116.2 points scored and allowing 115.2 points per game. Their overall scoring average stands at 120.1 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 119.2 points.

When considering home versus away performances, the Bulls have a home record of 1-3 in their last four games at the United Center, while the Timberwolves have been more successful on the road, with a record of 5-2 in their last seven away games. This trend could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.

The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning one game. The Bulls won their last meeting on January 23, 2026, with a score of 120-115, while the Timberwolves triumphed earlier in the season on December 30, 2025, winning 136-101. This history adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming matchup, as both teams will be looking to assert dominance in the series.

In terms of injuries, the Bulls have several players listed as Day-To-Day, including Tobe Awaka (knee), Isaac Okoro (undisclosed), Zach Collins (toe), and Nic Claxton (hamstring). The Timberwolves are also dealing with injury concerns, with Trey Lyles, Bones Hyland, Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, and LaMelo Ball all listed as Day-To-Day due to rest. The status of these players could significantly impact the game, as both teams may have to adjust their strategies based on who is available.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Bulls favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 234.5. The odds for the over and under are both listed at -110. The moneyline shows the Bulls at -205, while the Timberwolves are at +170. These odds reflect the current expectations of both teams heading into the matchup.

As for conditions, the game will take place at the United Center, where the Bulls will look to leverage their home-court advantage. Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere as both teams vie for an important early-season win.

Viewers should watch for how both teams handle their respective injuries, as the absence or presence of key players could sway the game's dynamics. Additionally, the performance of the Bulls' defense will be crucial, as they have struggled to contain opposing offenses. The Timberwolves will likely look to exploit this weakness, especially given their strong scoring average.

Overall, this matchup between the Bulls and Timberwolves is set to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to prove themselves early in the season.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsCHI -6.5 234.5 o -110 / u -110 Minnesota Timberwolves +195 · Chicago Bulls -238

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Tobe AwakaDay-To-DayKneeChicago Bulls
  • Isaac OkoroDay-To-DayUndisclosedChicago Bulls
  • Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
  • Nic ClaxtonDay-To-DayHamstringChicago Bulls
  • Enrique FreemanDay-To-DayShoulderMinnesota Timberwolves
  • Rocco ZikarskyDay-To-DayUndisclosedMinnesota Timberwolves
  • Trey LylesDay-To-DayRestMinnesota Timberwolves
  • Bones HylandDay-To-DayRestMinnesota Timberwolves
  • Jonathan KumingaDay-To-DayRestMinnesota Timberwolves

Leaders

  • PointsCaleb Wilson16Chicago Bulls
  • AssistsTre Jones5Chicago Bulls
  • ReboundsCaleb Wilson7Chicago Bulls
  • PointsIsaiah Evans21Minnesota Timberwolves
  • AssistsZyon Pullin10Minnesota Timberwolves
  • ReboundsDrew Timme7Minnesota Timberwolves

Recent form

Chicago Bulls

Last 10: 4-6Streak W1116.2 scored · 119.6 allowed per game1-3 at home

  • W125-104at Milwaukee BucksOct 15
  • L128-133at Denver NuggetsOct 12
  • L100-104vs Memphis GrizzliesOct 10
  • W124-117vs Phoenix SunsOct 8
  • L128-149at Dallas MavericksApr 13
  • L103-127vs Orlando MagicApr 11
  • W119-108at Washington WizardsApr 9
  • W129-98at Washington WizardsApr 7
  • L110-120vs Phoenix SunsApr 5
  • L96-136at New York KnicksApr 3

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1120.1 scored · 119.2 allowed per game5-2 away

  • L106-128vs Detroit PistonsOct 15
  • W122-104at New York KnicksOct 12
  • W125-124at Miami HeatOct 11
  • L112-123at Indiana PacersOct 7
  • W116-97at Milwaukee BucksOct 6
  • W132-126vs New Orleans PelicansApr 13
  • W136-132at Houston RocketsApr 11
  • L120-132at Orlando MagicApr 8
  • W124-104at Indiana PacersApr 7
  • L108-122vs Charlotte HornetsApr 5

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Portland-0W31.0003
Utah11W1.6672
Minnesota1.53L2.5003
Denver1.52L1.5002
Oklahoma City34L1.2001
Detroit-1W2.7503
Chicago0.52W2.6003
Milwaukee1.53W1.4002
Cleveland1.52L1.3331
Indiana23L3.2501

Box score

StatMinnesota TimberwolvesChicago Bulls
Field goals39-8750-97
Field goal %4552
Three-pointers10-3412-36
Three-point %2933
Free throws28-4021-25
Free throw %7084
Rebounds3754
Offensive rebounds1217
Defensive rebounds2537
Assists2334
Steals68
Blocks210
Turnovers1115
Team turnovers02
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2322
Fast-break points816
Points in the paint5676
Fouls2230
Largest lead421
Lead changes66
Time in front488

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter84-95Zyon Pullin makes free throw 1 of 2
  2. 3rd Quarter85-95Zyon Pullin makes free throw 2 of 2
  3. 3rd Quarter87-95Drew Timme makes two point shot
  4. 3rd Quarter87-98Jordan Hawkins makes 25-foot three pointer
  5. 3rd Quarter88-98Jaylen Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
  6. 4th Quarter89-98Isaiah Evans makes free throw 1 of 3
  7. 4th Quarter90-98Isaiah Evans makes free throw 2 of 3
  8. 4th Quarter91-98Isaiah Evans makes free throw 3 of 3
  9. 4th Quarter91-99Patrick Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  10. 4th Quarter91-100Patrick Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  11. 4th Quarter91-103Jordan Hawkins makes 28-foot three point jumper (Patrick Williams assists)
  12. 4th Quarter91-105Jaylin Sellers makes 1-foot running dunk (Jordan Hawkins assists)
  13. 4th Quarter93-105KJ Martin makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Isaiah Evans assists)
  14. 4th Quarter94-105KJ Martin makes free throw 1 of 1
  15. 4th Quarter94-107Jaylin Sellers makes driving dunk
  16. 4th Quarter96-107Joan Beringer makes 1-foot dunk (Isaiah Evans assists)
  17. 4th Quarter96-109Dailyn Swain makes two point shot
  18. 4th Quarter96-110Dailyn Swain makes free throw 1 of 1
  19. 4th Quarter96-112Orlando Robinson makes 1-foot layup (Jordan Hawkins assists)
  20. 4th Quarter96-114Patrick Williams makes two point shot
  21. 4th Quarter97-114KJ Martin makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 4th Quarter100-114Isaiah Evans makes 24-foot three point jumper (Drew Timme assists)
  23. 4th Quarter100-116Jordan Hawkins makes 1-foot driving dunk (Orlando Robinson assists)
  24. 4th Quarter101-116Zyon Pullin makes free throw 1 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter103-116Zyon Pullin makes 1-foot running pullup jump shot
  26. 4th Quarter103-117Orlando Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter103-118Orlando Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter105-118Antonio Reeves makes 18-foot step back jumpshot (Zyon Pullin assists)
  29. 4th Quarter105-120Orlando Robinson makes driving dunk (Drew Peterson assists)
  30. 4th Quarter105-122Drew Peterson makes driving layup (Jordan Hawkins assists)
  31. 4th Quarter105-123Orlando Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter105-126Jordan Hawkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Drew Peterson assists)
  33. 4th Quarter107-126Drew Timme makes driving layup
  34. 4th Quarter109-126Antonio Reeves makes driving layup (Zyon Pullin assists)
  35. 4th Quarter109-128Orlando Robinson makes dunk (Jaylin Sellers assists)
  36. 4th Quarter111-128Isaiah Evans makes driving layup (Drew Timme assists)
  37. 4th Quarter111-130Drew Peterson makes driving layup
  38. 4th Quarter113-130KJ Martin makes driving layup (Zyon Pullin assists)
  39. 4th Quarter113-133Drew Peterson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Orlando Robinson assists)
  40. 4th Quarter116-133Drew Timme makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zyon Pullin assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Chicago Bulls, below favours Minnesota Timberwolves.

Venue

  • United CenterChicago, IL
  • Attendance21017
  • OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Pat Fraher, Julian Scott

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.