Winless Bulls Host Timberwolves, Both Teams Have Big Plans for 08-09

The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1) are playing their fourth consecutive preseason game on the road and is coming off its first loss, 118-95 at Denver on Friday night.

The Chicago Bulls (0-2), are coming off a 95-92 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Both teams have big plans on improving on dismal seasons that left them on the outside looking in come playoff time last season.

One bright spot in Friday's loss was the play of second-year swingman Corey Brewer, Wolves Coach Randy Wittman said on the team’s official web site.

"He played with great energy and when he does that he ends up doing good things. Whether its making shots, creating things on the break or creating havoc on the defensive end. So I thought his 16 minutes were really good in that game."

Brewer led the Wolves with 18 points including going 4-for-5 from beyond the arc despite sitting out the first half.

Power forward Tyrus Thomas led Chicago with 15 points while No. 1 overall draft pick, point guard Derrick Rose added 13 points and 6 assists.

The Timberwolves are averaging 100.0 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting while limiting their opponents to just 93.0 points per game defensively on 42.1 percent shooting.

The Bulls are averaging 98.5 points per game on a tepid 43.3 percent shooting mark but are giving up a whopping 106.0 points per game defensively on 46.5 percent shooting.

Here is a look at the NBA Odds for tonight’s contest, followed by my analysis and NBA Free Picks.

NBA Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves +4 -115

Chicago Bulls -4 -115

Over 194 -115

Under 194 -115

Analysis: The Bulls are really due for a victory, but they won’t get it tonight if Minnesota continues to play defense like they have so far this preseason. While the Bulls have plenty of young talent, they need some serious direction and I’m not sure rookie head coach Vinny Del Negro is the right guy to lead this team.

Take the T-Wolves to cover the spread while possibly winning outright!

NBA Free Picks: Minnesota +4 Points/Over 194 Total Points