NBA Game Preview - Chicago at Minnesota
Wed Mar 4, 2020 8:00 PM EST

IND
100
MIL
119
F
OKC
114
DET
107
F
BOS
112
CLE
106
F
UTA
112
NY
104
F
MEM
118
BKN
79
F
ORL
113
MIA
116
F
CHI
108
MIN
115
F
NO
123
DAL
127
F(OT)
WAS
104
POR
125
F
Bulls still dealing with injuries as they face Wolves
Wed Mar 4, 2020 3:10 AM

"Full strength" is a status Chicago hasn't attained much this season, and with various long-term injuries still nagging the team, it isn't one the Bulls will experience completely down the stretch.

Still, the team continues to gain confidence as more players return to health entering Wednesday's visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that's never a bad thing.

Monday brought the first appearance for the Bulls' Otto Porter Jr. since Nov. 6, as the 6-foot-8 forward came back from an extended absence with a broken left foot. Porter scored 18 points in 17 minutes in a 109-107 home victory against the Dallas Mavericks and further delivered the team's mantra for the final six weeks of the season following the game.

"Just stay healthy and get some wins," Porter said.

Despite slim hopes for sneaking into the Eastern Conference postseason, the Bulls aren't resorting to scoreboard watching just yet.

"We're not thinking about the playoffs right now," Porter said. "We're just trying to get guys back. When it gets down to it where we're going to need a couple games, then we'll get in that playoff mode to where everything is very detailed."

Ironically, Monday marked Chicago's first game this season without leading scorer Zach LaVine. The guard is day-to-day with a strained left quadriceps.

Denzel Valentine, who returned Saturday following a seven-game absence with hamstring issues, started in place of LaVine and scored a season-high 17 points. Valentine has been healthy for much of the season apart from that stretch but still struggled to cement himself in coach Jim Boylen's rotation.

"I kind of just lean on my faith, lean on my camp and keep putting in that hard work," Valentine said. "Sometimes your time isn't now. But it's going to come if you continue to be a good teammate and keep putting in work. I just keep trying to be a professional."

Chicago has lost 10 of 12, and its victory against Dallas was only the team's second triumph over a team with a winning record this season.

Minnesota has lost seven of nine but snapped a two-game skid with Tuesday's 139-134 victory at New Orleans. Malik Beasley scored 28 points on 11-for-13 points to pace Minnesota.

"Malik Beasley, he was huge for us. He let the game come to him, and he made big plays down the stretch," said Minnesota guard D'Angelo Russell, who added 23 points.

All five starters finished in double figures, while three reserves had double-digit scoring games as well.

Wednesday marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for the Timberwolves, who have just seven home wins this season.

Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen practiced with G-League affiliate Windy City on Monday and is nearing a return from a right hip injury, Boylen said. Markkanen has been out since Jan. 22.

Chicago defeated Minnesota 117-110 at United Center in the teams' first meeting this season as LaVine scored 25 points against his former team. The Bulls lead the all-time series 33-25 but have lost four straight to the Timberwolves on the road.

--Field Level Media

Team Record Comparison

Standings GB W-L Aw/Hm Stk L10
Chicago  
Minnesota  

Hot Players (Last 10 team games)

Injury Report

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