Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls: Preview and Best Bet – 2/24/2021

Spread: Chicago Bulls (-4)

Money Line: MIN (+155) | CHI (-175)

O/U: 228.5

Tip-Off: 7:00 PM CT

Analysis and Best Bet

First, congrats to 1st time All-Star Zach LaVine (28.6 PPG). He was announced as an East reserve and LaVine finally got the recognition he deserved. Now, onto business. The Bulls return home after a 120-100 win over the Houston Rockets. Chicago improved to 14-16 with a very good chance to build on their two-game winning streak. Their next opponent is the 7-25 Minnesota Timberwolves, the worst team in the NBA. Chicago must take care of business in this should be win.

The Timberwolves fell to the Bucks yesterday, 139-112. Minnesota has dealt with injuries and COVID to their big-time players. Jarret Culver (ankle) and DeAngelo Russell (knee) will be out for Minnesota. KAT recently returned for the Twolves after dealing with COVID.

More work has fallen onto Malik Beasley (20.2 PPG and 4.8 REB), rookie Anthony Edwards (14.3 PPG), and veteran Ricky Rubio (7.6 PPG and 6.4 AST). The rest of this roster (the bench) is filled with unexperienced players trying to make a good impression. Minnesota also recently fired Head Coach Ryan Saunders and hired Raptors assistant Chris Finch.

The Bulls are looking to build on their two-game winning streak. In their win against Houston, Coby White led the team in scoring (24 points) and had 10 rebounds. Moreover, Wendell Carter Jr. (18 points and team-high 13 rebounds) was effective on both ends. Zach LaVine scored 21 and Thad Young (17 points, eight rebounds, five assists) continued to provide a boost off the bench.

The Bulls are picking up the pace. It’s especially important during a stretch of very winnable games. For the second game in a row, I’m taking the Bulls money line at -175 for one unit. Facing off against the worst team in the NBA on a back-to-back with their injuries, the Bulls must take care of business at home.

Jay’s NBA Picks Record: 8-12