Minnesota Timberwolves vs Chicago Bulls

The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00 p.m. ET, marking one of the final preseason matchups before the regular season begins. Both teams see this contest as a chance to finalize their rotations, give bench players one last evaluation, and build momentum heading into the official campaign. The United Center is expected to draw a strong home crowd as Chicago looks to close preseason play on a positive note.

Minnesota comes into the game with a few players listed as day-to-day, including Naz Reid, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and Jaden McDaniels. Although none of these injuries appear serious, the Timberwolves are likely to manage minutes carefully to avoid setbacks ahead of opening week. Chicago, meanwhile, will be without Isaac Okoro, who remains out with knee soreness. Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, Julian Phillips, and Coby White are under close monitoring, with White still recovering from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined for most of the preseason. Chicago Bulls may turn to deeper rotation options if any of these players are limited.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch is expected to use this game to fine-tune spacing and offensive balance, giving his main rotation players extended first-half minutes before turning to developmental prospects in the second half. Finch has stressed the importance of ball movement and defensive discipline, looking to strengthen Minnesota’s transition play and off-ball rotations. On the other bench, Chicago’s Tom Thibodeau will continue focusing on defensive intensity, emphasizing tight on-ball pressure, disciplined switching, and interior help. Offensively, Thibodeau aims to use Nikola Vucevic as a key facilitator in pick-and-pop actions and high-post passing sequences, ensuring the offense runs smoothly even when guards are unavailable.

In the lead-up to the game, local and national press have highlighted both teams’ injury situations and their impact on chemistry and rhythm. Reports in Minnesota have focused on how the Timberwolves’ lineup shuffling may affect their offensive flow, while Chicago’s media have questioned how the Bulls’ backcourt depth will respond to missing key contributors. Analysts have pointed out that this matchup could serve as a useful measuring stick for both coaching staffs, offering insight into how each team manages adversity and adjusts tactically under pressure.

Studio analysts previewing the game have emphasized two main storylines: the performance of each team’s bench and the adaptability of their systems when starters are limited. Minnesota’s ability to maintain structure without relying heavily on star power has been a recurring discussion point, while Chicago’s defensive organization and ability to generate offense through teamwork have also drawn attention. Most expect a competitive and tactical encounter, with both teams prioritizing rhythm, execution, and player readiness over the final score.