Bulls vs Timberwolves Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/22/25

J.A. Cavalier
Jan 22
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Bulls vs Timberwolves Free Pick

Tonight’s matchup at the Target Center sets up as a pivotal contest for two teams heading in different directions, as the Chicago Bulls visit the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota enters at 27–17 and firmly in control as a heavy -9.5 home favorite, riding a three-game home winning streak and continuing to establish itself as one of the most defensively sound teams in the league.

Chicago, meanwhile, sits just below .500 at 21–22 and arrives shorthanded, dealing with notable injury absences that have thinned both their rotation and offensive options. Those injuries loom large against a Timberwolves team built around structure, physicality, and defensive discipline.

From an analytical standpoint, Minnesota’s elite defensive profile is the defining factor in this matchup. The Timberwolves excel at limiting high-quality looks, protecting the rim, and forcing opponents into inefficient halfcourt possessions. That approach is particularly problematic for a Bulls team already struggling to generate consistent offense, especially when forced to operate without key contributors.

If Minnesota establishes its defensive presence early, this game has the potential to separate quickly. With home-court advantage, superior depth, and a defensive system designed to punish undermanned opponents, the Timberwolves are well-positioned to control the tempo and turn this into a comfortable win at Target Center.

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This game checks every ugly box sharps love. The Clippers play at a 29th-ranked pace, which means fewer possessions and fewer shots—Overs die quietly in games like this. Now add Chicago’s mess: Josh Giddey is out, and that’s their transition engine and primary facilitator gone. Without him, the Bulls’ offense—already middle of the pack—gets stuck in bad halfcourt possessions. Losing Patrick Williams kills spacing, and when Chicago leans on secondary creators, efficiency drops and turnovers spike. Public sees a decent total and assumes points; sharps see slow pace, missing ball-handlers, and broken offense. This isn’t a shootout—it’s a grind, and grinds cash Unders.