The Minnesota Timberwolves are determined to improve their home record after a lackluster season. Last year, they thrived at home with a 30-11 record, but this season, they have struggled to gain momentum, sitting at 12-12.
Hoping to reverse their fortunes, the Timberwolves will host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in Minneapolis.
“Our defensive energy is just not where it needs to be,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch admitted. “We’re bottom three or five in transition, rebounding, on-ball defense, off-ball pursuit. It’s all about effort.”
This matchup marks the third contest in a five-game homestand for Minnesota. So far, they have suffered narrow defeats—a 105-103 loss to the struggling Washington Wizards on Saturday and a 116-114 setback against a short-handed Sacramento Kings squad on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Bulls arrive in Minneapolis with their roster in flux after trading Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. They acquired Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, and Tre Jones, though none are expected to play on Wednesday as the Bulls’ front office weighs further moves before Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Timberwolves are also keeping an eye on potential roster upgrades, aiming to bolster their playoff chances in the Western Conference.
Timberwolves guard Mike Conley acknowledged the uncertainty of trade week, especially after a blockbuster deal sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.
“I told the team, put your phones on loud and be ready for anything,” Conley said. “When you see trades like that, it puts us all on alert to stay focused.”
Anthony Edwards is eager to bounce back after a rough shooting night against Sacramento, where he went 7-for-21 after returning from an illness. Despite feeling fatigued, he remains confident about his form moving forward. He currently leads Minnesota with 26.5 points per game.
The Timberwolves are also missing key players, as Julius Randle (18.9 PPG) is sidelined with a groin injury, and Donte DiVincenzo (11.0 PPG) is out with a toe injury.
The Bulls, on the other hand, are coming off a 133-124 home win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Rookie Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey each contributed 24 points in the victory.
Buzelis, who will take part in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend, has been finding his rhythm after a slow start to the season.
“My confidence is high right now, but you’ve got to stay humble,” Buzelis said. “My dad always tells me the sun comes up tomorrow, so you’ve got to go back to work.”
