The Chicago Bulls host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, October 16, 2026, in the NBA Preseason at the United Center, in Chicago. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. (America/New_York; 7 p.m. local time at the arena in Chicago), with live broadcasts on CHSN (Chicago Sports Network), CHSN App, and NBA League Pass.
The game marks the final preseason commitment for both franchises ahead of the 2026-27 regular season. The Chicago Bulls enter the court with a 2-2 record in the preparatory period after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 125-104 away from home on Wednesday (14). The Minnesota Timberwolves hold a 3-2 record in the preseason, coming off a 128-106 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on the same date. In the last official matchup between the two teams, held on January 22, 2026, in Minneapolis, the Chicago Bulls beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-115.
Where to watch Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves live
Fans in the United States have three options across television and digital platforms to follow the preseason matchup.
- CHSN (Chicago Sports Network): cable TV
- CHSN App: streaming
- NBA League Pass: streaming
Time and venue for Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Check the confirmed operational details for the game in Illinois.
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026 (10/16/2026)
- Time: 8 p.m. (20:00 America/New_York) / 7 p.m. (19:00 America/Chicago, local time at the arena)
- Venue: United Center, in Chicago
- Competition: NBA (North American basketball league) — Preseason
Read also: NBA: Jonathan Kuminga signs two-year deal with Minnesota Timberwolves for $13 million
How the Chicago Bulls arrive
The Chicago Bulls are led by Brazilian head coach Tiago Splitter, who was hired on June 16, 2026, to replace Billy Donovan and lead the franchise overhaul after the team finished the 2025-26 regular season in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 31 wins and 51 losses, missing the Play-In tournament and the Playoffs. During the 2026 offseason, the front office hired executive Bryson Graham, traded veterans Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic, added Norman Powell, Nicolas Claxton, and Buddy Hield, and drafted Caleb Wilson (4th overall pick) and Dailyn Swain (15th overall pick).
In the 125-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday (14), the top performers for the Chicago Bulls were Matas Buzelis with 19 points, Leonard Miller with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Norman Powell with 16 points, Jalen Smith with 15 points and 7 rebounds, rookie Caleb Wilson with 10 points, and Josh Giddey with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. The projected starting lineup under Tiago Splitter features Josh Giddey at point guard, Norman Powell at shooting guard, Matas Buzelis at small forward, Caleb Wilson at power forward, and Jalen Smith filling in at center due to Nicolas Claxton’s injury. Because this is the final preseason game, the coaching staff is expected to decide hours before tip-off whether to use the full starting lineup or rest starters for the regular season.
According to the team’s most recent preseason injury report, released on Wednesday (14), the Chicago Bulls have four players listed as out: center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring injury), Zach Collins (quadriceps), Isaac Okoro (out), and Tobe Awaka (knee).
How the Minnesota Timberwolves arrive
Commanded by head coach Chris Finch since 2021, the Minnesota Timberwolves also restructured their roster during the 2026 offseason following the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid. The franchise acquired point guard LaMelo Ball, power forward Jonathan Kuminga, and guard Ayo Dosunmu (formerly of the Chicago Bulls) to play alongside shooting guard Anthony Edwards, small forward Jaden McDaniels, and center Rudy Gobert.
The projected starting five for the Minnesota Timberwolves consists of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga, and Rudy Gobert, with Ayo Dosunmu and rookie Joan Beringer among the main rotation options off the bench. As is standard in the final preseason game, the coaching staff typically determines hours before the game whether to play the starters or rest them. In the 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday (14), Anthony Edwards led the scoring with 20 points, followed by Jonathan Kuminga (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Jaden McDaniels (12 points and 6 rebounds), while Joan Beringer and Ayo Dosunmu scored 10 points each off the bench.
In the medical department, shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo is a confirmed absence for Friday’s game and for the start of the 2026-27 regular season after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
Read also: 76ers coach reveals attempt to sign Tiago Splitter before LeBron James' arrival
Officiating for Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves
The officiating assignments for the game have not yet been announced, as the NBA officially publishes the designated referees (Crew Chief, Referee, and Umpire) on the day of each game.
Head-to-head history and next games for Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves
Before the Chicago Bulls won 120-115 in Minneapolis on January 22, 2026, the two franchises faced off twice in late 2025. On December 29, 2025, during the 2025-26 regular season, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Chicago Bulls 136-101 at the United Center, in Chicago. Earlier, in the previous preseason on October 16, 2025, the Chicago Bulls beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-120.
After Friday’s game, both teams will make their debuts in the 2026-27 NBA regular season on Wednesday (21): the Chicago Bulls will face the Toronto Raptors, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Miami Heat.
