A pivotal game in the middle of the season is scheduled to take place on Friday at the United Center between the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The latest injury update for the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls
When the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls meet on the road on Friday, both teams will be dealing with the emotional fallout of recent close losses.
FOR THE TIMBERWOLVES
Minnesota will look for a way to move forward in the crowded Western Conference playoff picture, while Chicago will try to maintain its postseason hopes in the Eastern Conference.
With 14 points to make up, the Timberwolves cut their deficit to just two points with 4:03 left on Wednesday’s game against Boston, but ultimately fell short.
In the waning seconds of the game, a 3-pointer by Timberwolves’ Mike Conley proved to be the game-winner.
Referees called four technical fouls against Minnesota, including two with under a minute to play after a contentious jump ball that went against Anthony Edwards and Kyle Anderson.
Edwards’ 28 points and 10 boards were crucial in keeping Minnesota in the game.
After a three-game victory streak, Minnesota has dropped three straight games, all of which have been losses on its home court. On Thursday, the Timberwolves were tied for sixth in the Western Conference, one game behind the Warriors for the best record in the NBA.
As of Friday, the Timberwolves have begun a three-game road trip and will play six of their next seven games away from the Twin Cities.
Minnesota has a 15-18 road record this year, but they enter the contest on a four-game road victory streak. On Monday, a 136-115 road win over Atlanta was the most recent victory.
Due to a sprained left ankle, Gobert‘s status for Friday’s game against the Bulls is in doubt.
On Friday, Gobert might sit out for the first time since February 26. It’s possible that Naz Reid (calf) and Nathan Knight’s playing time increases if Gobert is out.
Let’s take a look to see how many of the Timberwolves players for tonight’s game with injuries.
- Jaylen Nowell (Knee): Expected to be out until at least Mar 18
- Naz Reid (Calf): Game Time Decision
- Rudy Gobert (Ankle): Game Time Decision
- Austin Rivers (Back): Game Time Decision
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Calf): Expected to be out until at least Mar 29
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FOR THE BULLS
With Wednesday’s 117-114 loss to the Kings, the Bulls found themselves a half-game behind Washington for the final position in the East play-in tournament.
De’Aaron Fox of the Kings made a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining, giving Chicago its third loss in as many games.
Bulls star and game-tying four-point play scorer DeMar DeRozan stated, “That sucks” after the game. DeRozan scored 33 points. The key is to keep going, to keep fighting.
On Wednesday, DeRozan scored 33 points, grabbed three boards, dished out three assists, and stole two bases in 40 minutes of his team’s 117-114 loss to Sacramento.
On Wednesday, DeRozan had his highest point total for the Bulls since January 7; however, it was not enough as Sacramento edged out a victory in the waning seconds.
Recently, the experienced forward’s offensive assertiveness has waned. In his last nine games, however, he has been a reliable scorer, averaging 23.4 points on 52/42/77 percent shooting.
On Friday’s game, DeRozan might or might not be present.
On their own turf, Chicago has won three straight against the Minnesota Wild. Six of the last 10 games in the series have been won by the Timberwolves, including a lopsided 150-126 victory on December 18 in Minnesota. Despite DeRozan’s 29 points, Edwards finished with 37 and 11 assists for Los Angeles, while DeRozan led Chicago.
Let’s scroll down to see a list of the injured players for the Bulls.
- Lonzo Ball (Knee): Out for the season
- Javonte Green (Knee): Game Time Decision
- Alex Caruso (Illness): Game Time Decision
- Justin Lewis (Knee): Out for the season
