Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves: NBA Preseason Finale
The MIN Timberwolves close out their six-game preseason schedule when they visit the CHI Bulls at United Center on Friday, October 16, 2026. This NBA Match Guide previews the final tune-up for both sides — including a Minnesota roster that looks nothing like the team that went to back-to-back Western Conference finals.
Match at a Glance
- Fixture: Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves
- Competition: NBA Preseason 2026 – Final Exhibition
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Tip-off: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT (01:00 BST Sat)
- Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Tickets: From $32–$41 on resale markets
- Timberwolves preseason form: 3-1 (before Oct. 14 vs Detroit)
Tonight's Key Fixtures
The preseason curtain falls across the league Friday night. In Chicago, it's the last chance for fringe players to make opening-night rosters — expect both coaching staffs to lean on evaluation minutes before the real thing tips off next week.
| Match | ET Time |
|---|---|
| Bulls vs Timberwolves | 8:00 PM |
| Celtics vs 76ers | 7:00 PM |
| Bucks vs Pacers | 7:00 PM |
| Raptors vs Pistons | 7:00 PM |
| Kings vs Spurs | 8:00 PM |
| Heat vs Magic | 7:30 PM |
| Wizards vs Pelicans | 8:00 PM |
Star Watch
Anthony Edwards — Timberwolves
Still the engine of everything Minnesota does. Edwards has been managed through the preseason like the franchise pillar he is — 14 points in the opener, 26 in the Madison Square Garden win over the champion Knicks — and should get one more extended run before opening night.
LaMelo Ball — Timberwolves
The blockbuster offseason acquisition makes his final preseason statement in Chicago. Ball has already flashed the full-tilt pace Minnesota wanted when it remade its backcourt; his pick-and-roll chemistry with Edwards is the single biggest development question of the Wolves' fall.
Bones Hyland — Timberwolves
The surprise of the preseason: 23 points with five triples in the 125-124 win at Miami. With Donte DiVincenzo lost to a season-ending Achilles injury, Hyland's bench scoring is suddenly a real rotation battle — one last showcase looms.
Matchup Analysis
Minnesota has quietly had an excellent preseason: a 116-97 win at Milwaukee, a narrow loss to Indiana in Ames, a one-point escape at Miami, and a 122-104 rout of the champion Knicks at MSG. The bigger story is the remodel: out went Julius Randle and Naz Reid, in came LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga alongside holdovers Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu. Chris Finch has cycled heavy rest days through the roster — don't be surprised if another star sits — but the Wolves' depth has answered every test so far.
Chicago wraps its exhibition slate at home after hosting Memphis (Oct. 9) and Denver (Oct. 11). Last season the Bulls were a streaky middle-of-the-pack East team, and the rotation remains a work in progress with the opener days away. The one certainty: United Center crowds always show up for the preseason finale, and a physical Chicago front will test Minnesota's new-look spacing.
Head-to-head: These teams last met in the regular season on January 22, 2026 at Target Center, when both were hovering around .500. This preseason meeting is all about minutes management — expect starters for roughly a half before the benches decide it.
Prediction: Timberwolves 113, Bulls 108. Our lean backs Minnesota on the road, conditional on a reasonably balanced rotation — the projected margin is five points, with interest in the under if the total climbs above 225.5.
How to Watch
| Region | Broadcast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA (Chicago) | NBC Sports Chicago | Local broadcast window |
| USA (Minnesota) | FanDuel Sports Network | Wolves local feed |
| National / Intl | NBA League Pass | All preseason games |
| Radio | Bulls Radio Network | WSCR 670 The Score |
Preseason broadcast plans can shift — confirm local listings on game day.
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FAQ
Q: Is Bulls vs Timberwolves on October 16 a regular-season game? A: No — it's the NBA preseason finale for Minnesota at United Center, tip-off 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT).
Q: What's new with the Timberwolves this season? A: Minnesota added LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga while Julius Randle and Naz Reid departed. Donte DiVincenzo is out long-term with an Achilles injury.
Q: What is Minnesota's preseason record? A: The Wolves went 3-1 through their first four exhibitions before hosting Detroit on October 14.
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