The Bulls' five-game winning streak came to an abrupt end Monday night at the United Center, but the final score was secondary to the injury concerns that mounted throughout the evening.
Chicago fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-101 after losing both of their top scorers to injuries. Coby White exited in the first quarter with a right calf strain, and Josh Giddey left the game in the opening minute of the second half with an apparent left hamstring injury after scoring 11 points.
Naz Reid led Minnesota with a season-high 33 points off the bench. Anthony Edwards added 23 points as the Timberwolves shot 53.7% from the field. Julius Randle contributed 17 points, while Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland each scored 12.
Nikola Vucevic paced the depleted Bulls with 23 points, but Chicago shot just 40.9% and committed 16 turnovers compared to three by Minnesota.
White, who entered the game averaging 20.5 points per game as Chicago's leading scorer, had missed the first 11 games this season with a similar calf injury. Giddey, averaging 19.5 points, 9.2 assists and 9.1 rebounds, is second in the NBA with seven triple-doubles this season.
The loss also came after Bulls coach Billy Donovan announced before the game that Zach Collins would miss several games with a sprained right big toe.
Minnesota took control in the third quarter after Chicago tied the game at 55 early in the period. The Timberwolves outscored the Bulls 40-28 in the frame and took a 95-78 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves led 55-50 at halftime after trailing by as much as nine points midway through the second quarter. Edwards sparked the comeback with 11 consecutive points on three three-pointers and a pair of free throws.
Chicago (15-17) has now lost two straight games after their winning streak had lifted them back to .500. The Bulls host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Minnesota (21-12) improved to 9-6 on the road and continues a four-game trip with a visit to Atlanta on Wednesday night. Veteran guard Mike Conley played in his 1,200th career game.
KEY STATS
- Final Score: Timberwolves 136, Bulls 101
- Naz Reid: 33 points on 12-of-19 shooting
- Anthony Edwards: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
- Nikola Vucevic: 23 points, 9 rebounds
- Minnesota Shooting: 53.7% from the field
- Chicago Shooting: 40.9% from the field
- Turnovers: Bulls 16, Timberwolves 3
UP NEXT
- Bulls: vs New Orleans Pelicans, December 31, 2025
- Timberwolves: at Atlanta Hawks, December 31, 2025