Watch as the Bulls take on the Minnesota Timberwolves today on CSN and streaming live on CSNChicago.com. Coverage begins at 2 p.m. with Bulls Pregame Live. Then stick around after the final buzzer to watch Bulls Postgame Live for highlights and analysis.
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Five Things to Watch
1. Thibs...again. It was a much bigger deal when Tom Thibodeau returned to the United Center earlier this year, but just as the Timberwolves said the game meant something more to them then...you can bet it's still the same. Minnesota wants to get this win for Coach Thibs, meaning the Bulls won't be able to coast as they complete this road trip.
2. No Zach LaVine. Unfortunately the Timberwolves' second best player this season tore his ACL, ending the high flyer's campaign far too early. It's made Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns take on even more of a role, while Shabazz Muhammad, Tyus Jones and Kris Dunn have seen some extra run as well. LaVine crushed the Bulls at the United Center earlier this year, so Fred Hoiberg's group has an early advantage in that sense.
3. Dwyane Wade's disappearing 3-point act. The Bulls are struggling mightily from beyond the arc, and Dwyane Wade has been a big reason why. Since Dec. 1 he's played in 32 games and made just 19 3-pointers. That's a far stretch from the 16 games he played in October and November when he made 20 shots from deep. The Bulls offense could really use Wade to regain his stroke, but it's doubtful he does it at the tail end of a long road trip.
4. .500 still in sight. Dwyane Wade said before this six-game road trip that going .500 should be considered a success. After that surprising win in Oklahoma City they essentially bought themselves a game, and now they're 2-3 following Friday's loss to the Suns. With a win over Thibs' bunch they can return home having gone 3-3, which at this point they'll take.
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5. Will Jimmy Butler play or not? Jimmy Butler wasn't bad on Friday night against the Suns, tallying 20 points on 5-for-14 shooting. But it's clear from watching him that his injured heel is still affecting him. The Bulls can't really afford too many more losses, but if this continues to be a lingering issue Butler may just want to rest until he's 100 percent.
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