The Chicago Bulls (21-22) have hovered around .500, including a 6-5 record over their last 11 games. They enter tonight’s meeting against the Minnesota Timberwolves (27-17) as notable 9.5-point underdogs on PrizePicks Team Picks.
A potential absence plays a role in the hefty spread, as Bulls PG Josh Giddey is in danger of missing his 12th consecutive contest. He’s the floor general of Chicago’s offense, leading the team in points and assists per game.
Let’s dive into the latest Josh Giddey injury update for Thursday’s 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off and break down how it impacts the latest player projections on PrizePicks.
{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Josh Giddey Injury Update vs. Timberwolves Tonight
The NBA injury report currently lists Giddey (hamstring) as probable for Thursday — an upgrade from this morning’s questionable status.
If Chicago’s lead guard returns to action, he could make a huge impact thanks to a team-high 19.2 PPG and 9.0 APG, paired with a 26.1% usage rate (second), via FantasyLabs.
During Giddey’s 11-game absence, the Bulls’ 117.9 PPG (eighth) slightly dipped to 116.8. The offense became more reliant on 3-pointers, launching 41.7 per game compared to 39.4 on the season (10th).
According to Dunks & Threes, the Timberwolves rank 20th in shot distribution around the rim allowed and fourth from 3-point land. Giddey can add to the paint attack, proven by 50.8% of his shots coming from within 10 feet of the rim, per NBA.com.
Bulls’ Fantasy Impact if Giddey is Out vs. Timberwolves
As mentioned, Chicago has shot more triples with Giddey out of the lineup. That could mean more work for long-range specialists, including Bulls G Coby White (6.9 shots per game) and G Kevin Huerter (5.2 attempts per contest).
White played in six of Giddey’s 11 absences and attempted 7.3 treys per game while converting 43.2% of his shots. The North Carolina product has PrizePicks projections of 17.5 points 2.5 made 3-pointers (Demon) for tonight.
When Giddey is off the court, Bulls F Matas Buzelis (15.0 PPG) sees the largest jump in usage rate (+2.6%). The second-year wing posted 17.9 PPG during his absence. Additionally, Buzelis increased his 5.2 3-point shots per contest to 6.8 in that stretch.
After missing nearly a month of action, Giddey’s role could be limited if active. With that in mind, leaning on White and Buzelis might remain a promising angle.
Josh Giddey Projections vs. Timberwolves Tonight
PrizePicks features a full slate of Josh Giddey projections for Bulls vs. Timberwolves.
- 13.5 Points
- 6 Rebounds
- 6.5 Assists
- 27 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 32 Fantasy Score
{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Make Bulls vs. Timberwolves Picks on PrizePicks
Chicago’s offense may finally receive a boost with its top guard back in the lineup. However, Giddey could see limited minutes. Until the fifth-year man is back to full-time action, White and Buzelis’ increased production could persist.
You can make your Bulls vs. Timberwolves player picks on PrizePicks and earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct.
Keep it right here with the Playbook for continued NBA picks, predictions, and news every day.
Team Picks and Culture Picks are event contracts offered by Performance Predictions II, LLC d/b/a PrizePicks Predict, a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA Member. All event contract customers must be U.S. residents and 18+. Some event contracts may not be available in every state. Event contract trading carries significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. No guarantee against loss is offered. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results. Void where prohibited by law. Restrictions apply. For full terms of service see prizepicks.com/predict-regulatory. Team and Culture Pick Early Payouts subject to market liquidity. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation to trade any commodity interest.
