The Chicago Bulls put together one of their most complete offensive outings of the preseason, rolling past the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves 133-116. Playing in front of an energized home crowd, Chicago dictated the tempo early and never allowed Minnesota to recover from a double-digit deficit. The 17-point margin reflected the Bulls' superior execution on both ends of the hardwood as preparations ramp up for the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season.
The decisive moment
Chicago separated itself by turning defensive stops into immediate transition opportunities, stretching a competitive contest into a comfortable 17-point rout. Every time the Timberwolves attempted to string together perimeter stops and cut into the deficit, the Bulls countered with crisp ball movement and high-percentage looks inside and beyond the arc. That sustained offensive pressure wore down Minnesota's rotation and sealed the outcome well before the final buzzer.
Even while managing frontcourt depth concerns, Chicago maintained relentless energy on the glass and in the open floor. The Bulls' ability to score 133 points against a physical Minnesota defense underscored the rhythm and spacing the coaching staff has emphasized throughout camp.
By the numbers
- Final Score: Chicago Bulls 133, Minnesota Timberwolves 116
- Winning Margin: 17 points in favor of host Chicago
- Combined Scoring: 249 total points in a fast-paced offensive showcase
- Chicago Injury Notes: Nic Claxton (day-to-day, hamstring, to be re-evaluated in two weeks), Zach Collins (day-to-day, toe), and Tobe Awaka (day-to-day, knee)
- Minnesota Injury Notes: Donte DiVincenzo (out, Achilles), Rocco Zikarsky (day-to-day, undisclosed), and Enrique Freeman (day-to-day, shoulder)
Surpassing the 130-point mark requires remarkable efficiency across all four quarters, and Chicago delivered exactly that with a balanced team effort. Allowing 116 points left room for defensive cleanup, yet the Bulls' offensive firepower kept the game firmly in their control.
What it means
For Chicago, putting 133 points on the board while navigating day-to-day statuses for Zach Collins, Tobe Awaka, and Nic Claxton is an encouraging sign of roster depth ahead of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season. With Claxton slated to be re-evaluated in two weeks following a hamstring tweak, the Bulls proved their supporting cast can step in and maintain a high offensive ceiling.
For Minnesota, surrendering 133 points on the road highlights the defensive communication adjustments still needed before regular-season play tips off on October 20, 2026. The Timberwolves produced 116 points of their own despite missing Donte DiVincenzo due to an Achilles injury and managing day-to-day designations for Rocco Zikarsky and Enrique Freeman, giving the coaching staff plenty of offensive positives to build upon.
What to watch next
Both franchises now turn their attention to final roster evaluations and health checks ahead of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season opener scheduled for October 20, 2026. Chicago will monitor the recovery timelines of Claxton, Collins, and Awaka, while Minnesota looks to tighten its perimeter and transition defense as the regular-season slate begins.