The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Chicago Bulls Thursday night at the United Center, with tipoff set for 8:05 p.m. ET. We’re underdogs at home, which stings a bit, but the betting lines tell an interesting story about how these two teams match up right now.
Game Information
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Tipoff: 8:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. CT
Location: United Center, Chicago
League: NBA
Betting Lines and Odds
Moneyline:
- Timberwolves: -200 (favorites)
- Bulls: +159 (underdogs)
Spread:
- Timberwolves: -4.5 (-111)
- Bulls: +4.5 (-111)
Total: 234.5 points (Over -111 / Under -111)
Bulls Recent Form: Sliding After Strong Start
Chicago enters this matchup with a 6-4 record in the last 10 games, but we’re currently on a 2-game losing streak. More concerning for Bulls backers, we’re also 6-4 against the spread with another 2-game ATS losing streak.
Bulls games have been hitting the over lately, with 6 overs and 4 unders in the last 10, including 2 straight overs. This suggests our recent games have been higher-scoring, uptempo affairs.
Timberwolves Struggling Overall
Minnesota hasn’t exactly been dominant, sitting at 4-6 in their last 10 games. However, they enter on a 1-game winning streak after snapping their slide. Their 5-4-1 ATS record (with 1 push) shows they’ve been competitive against the number.
Wolves games have gone over 6 times and under 4 times in their last 10, though they’re currently on a 2-game under streak, suggesting recent defensive improvements or slower-paced contests.
Why Being Home Underdogs Feels Wrong
Playing at the United Center should give us an edge, but the betting market disagrees. Here’s what makes this interesting:
Bulls’ Home Court Advantage
The United Center crowd typically provides real energy, especially for nationally televised games. Our players tend to feed off that atmosphere and elevate their performance.
Recent Losing Streak Concerns
That 2-game skid – both straight up and against the spread – clearly influenced the line. The market is fading us right now, which could create value if we bounce back Thursday.
Covering Spreads Earlier
Our 6-4 ATS record through the first 8 of our last 10 games showed we were exceeding expectations. The recent slide might be temporary rather than indicative of a larger problem.
Timberwolves’ Recent Struggles
Minnesota’s 4-6 record in their last 10 games isn’t impressive, even with that recent win. They’ve been inconsistent, which makes their status as road favorites somewhat questionable.
However, Minnesota brings legitimate talent with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring their lineup. When clicking, they can overwhelm opponents with their combination of scoring and defensive versatility.
Betting Analysis
The Spread
Bulls +4.5 offers value if we can bounce back at home. Our 6-4 ATS record through most of the recent stretch shows we’ve been competitive. The 2-game ATS slide might be an overreaction by the market.
The Moneyline
Bulls +159 becomes interesting for believers in a home bounce-back game. Minnesota’s 4-6 straight up record doesn’t scream “lay -200 on the road.”
The Total
234.5 points is a high number reflecting both teams’ recent trends toward overs. With Bulls games hitting over in their last 2 and Minnesota’s offensive firepower, this total seems reasonable but beatable if defenses tighten up.
Bulls’ Path to Covering or Winning
For us to cover the 4.5-point spread (or pull the upset), we need:
- Stop the bleeding – End this 2-game skid with a statement performance
- Home crowd energy – Feed off the United Center atmosphere
- Defend the three – Minnesota can get hot from deep and blow games open
- Bench production – Our second unit needs to provide quality minutes
Bulls Fan Perspective
As someone who bleeds red and black, this feels like a winnable game despite the underdog status. Yes, we’ve lost two straight, but both games were competitive into the fourth quarter.
Minnesota’s 4-6 record shows they’re vulnerable, and playing at home gives us legitimate advantages. The market might be overreacting to our recent slide while undervaluing our home court edge.
That said, Anthony Edwards can take over games single-handedly. If he gets rolling early, this could get ugly. We need to make him work for every bucket and not give him easy transition opportunities.
Game Prediction
Projected Score: Bulls 119, Timberwolves 116
I’m calling for the home upset. The 2-game losing streak ends Thursday night with the United Center crowd pushing us over the top. Minnesota’s recent struggles combined with our home court advantage create the perfect bounce-back opportunity.
Best Bets:
- Bulls +4.5 (strong value)
- Bulls ML +159 (upset special)
- Over 234.5 (both teams can score)
For Bulls fans, this represents a statement game opportunity. Show the league that our recent slide was temporary and that we can compete with Western Conference playoff teams at home.
We might not be favorites in Vegas, but we’re always favorites in our hearts. Time to prove the doubters wrong at the United Center.