The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Chicago Bulls on Monday night in a matchup shaped by injuries, pace, and star power. Minnesota is favored by 6.5 points, and the total sits at 242.5. That number screams offense. But with both teams managing key absences, the details will decide the night.

Tip-off is listed at 8:00 pm in Chicago. Some outlets have it down as 7:30 ET. If you’re planning to watch or bet, double-check your local listing so you don’t miss the start.

Timberwolves vs Bulls injury report: who’s in, who’s out

Minnesota’s injury list is long, and it matters. Terrence Shannon Jr. has been ruled out with a left foot issue. The team report states, “Shannon will miss an extended period due to left foot abductor hallucis strain, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.” That’s a blow to wing depth and size.

Joe Ingles remains out with a groin injury, while Taurean Prince is out following neck surgery. Those are veteran minutes and shooting that won’t be available. Pete Nance, Mark Sears, and Rocco Zikarsky are listed as G League two-way. The swing spot is Gary Trent Jr., who is questionable with a left calf contusion. If Trent plays, Minnesota’s spacing and shot creation off the bench get a lift.

For Chicago, Josh Giddey is the key note. He’s been managing an ankle issue, but, as the report puts it, “Giddey is nursing with an ankle injury, but he is likely to play against the Timberwolves on Sunday.” That leans probable here and would stabilize the Bulls’ playmaking. Zach Collins exited the last game with a lower-body issue and will sit: “Collins exited the last game due to a lower body injury, and he will be out of the lineup against the Timberwolves on Monday.” Patrick Williams is questionable due to illness, while Noa Essengue (shoulder surgery) and Trentyn Flowers (knee hyperextension) remain out.

“If Gobert owns the glass, the Wolves cover 6.5 easy.”

Odds and totals: what the market is telling us

Minnesota by 6.5 is a strong nod to the Wolves’ current form and their edge at the rim. The 242.5 total is eye-catching. It points to pace, transition chances, and made threes. If Collins is out, Chicago’s paint resistance takes a hit, and that can mean easier finishes and more free throws for Minnesota.

But Chicago has counters. If Giddey plays, his control in the half court can slow runs, and his 10-assist line on the board hints at his table-setting role. How he manages that ankle will shape the tempo late.

Star turns and X-factors: Edwards, Gobert, and Giddey

Anthony Edwards sits at the heart of Minnesota’s offense. The listed line of 36 points with 3.5 made threes reflects a green light and a heavy usage night. Chicago will have to show bodies early at the nail and push him into help. If the Bulls do not shrink the floor, he can pile points fast.

Rudy Gobert’s 3.5 blocks on the board marks the rim battle. With Collins out, Chicago may stretch the floor more often, but Gobert’s length can erase layups and force floaters. If he wins defensive position and keeps the Bulls off the glass, Minnesota can run after misses.

“No Collins changes the paint — this 242.5 could fly.”

Supporting cast: creation, spacing, and the corners

Julius Randle’s listed 22.5 points and 8.5 assists suggest he’s a second engine for Minnesota. That passing number stands out. It means Chicago must pick its poison on doubles, because Randle can punish late help with kick-outs. Donte DiVincenzo’s line (8.5 points, 6.5 boards, 7 assists) reads connector — extra passes, rebounds, and tough defense on the perimeter.

Jaden McDaniels’ 18.5 points and 1 block tell a two-way story. He can hit the open three and attack a closeout, then switch on defense to guard wings. If Gary Trent Jr. is cleared, his jump shot pulls a defender out of the paint, which helps Edwards and Randle get downhill.

Bulls’ blueprint: Giddey’s handle, Vucevic’s spacing

Chicago’s path starts with Giddey. His 10-assist figure means the ball will move. He must draw two defenders and find shooters on time. If Patrick Williams plays, that adds a willing corner shooter and another defender for Edwards.

Nikola Vucevic’s 1.5 made threes and Jalen Smith’s 2 made threes on the board point to pick-and-pop chances. Pulling Gobert away from the rim is the best way to open drives. Zach Collins being out trims a physical presence inside, so Smith and Vucevic must hold the glass by committee.

“Giddey vs. Edwards is skill vs. burst — that’s the chess match.”

Key lines to watch for Wolves and Bulls

These listed stat lines frame how each side could attack:

• Anthony Edwards (MIN): 36 PTS, 6.5 REB, 2.5 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 3.5 3PM
• Julius Randle (MIN): 22.5 PTS, 5 REB, 8.5 AST, 2.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, 1.5 3PM
• Donte DiVincenzo (MIN): 8.5 PTS, 6.5 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 0.5 BLK, 1.5 3PM
• Jaden McDaniels (MIN): 18.5 PTS, 3.5 REB, 4 AST, 0.5 STL, 1 BLK, 1 3PM
• Rudy Gobert (MIN): 7.5 PTS, 10 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 3.5 BLK, 0 3PM
• Josh Giddey (CHI): 12.5 PTS, 6.5 REB, 10 AST, 0.5 STL, 0 BLK, 1 3PM
• Jalen Smith (CHI): 9 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 2 3PM
• Zach Collins (CHI): 12.5 PTS, 7.5 REB, 1.5 AST, 0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 1 3PM
• Nikola Vucevic (CHI): 11.5 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 0.5 STL, 1 BLK, 1.5 3PM

These numbers underscore the themes: Edwards’ scoring load, Randle’s playmaking, Gobert’s rim deterrence, and Giddey’s passing hub for the Bulls. With Collins out, keep an eye on how Chicago covers the defensive boards and how often they go to five-out looks to pull Gobert away from the paint.

Time and setting: don’t miss the opening tip

The game is in Chicago, with Monday listed at 8:00 pm local. Some reports note 7:30 ET. Plan with a little cushion; pregame updates on Gary Trent Jr., Patrick Williams, and the final word on Giddey will drop in the last hour before tip.

Bottom line

Minnesota has the edge because of star power and rim control. Chicago can make this tight with smart spacing and strong guard play from Giddey. The 242.5 total hints at fireworks, but rebounding and paint defense could be the real story. If Gobert rules the lane and Edwards gets hot early, the Wolves’ -6.5 looks fair. If the Bulls win the three-point math and slow the pace with Giddey, they can tilt it late.

Either way, the injuries tell us how each team must play. Expect quick decisions, corner threes, and a lot of action at the rim. Now it’s about who executes when the lights go on.