Chicago’s last game showed both sides of a young team’s story. The Bulls built a 15-point lead against San Antonio on Nov. 11, then watched it disappear as turnovers gave the Spurs extra chances. Now Chicago heads to Minnesota on Saturday night, where another challenge waits: a Timberwolves team that has been winning with force, speed, and a huge edge around the basket.

As of Thursday’s games, Minnesota stood 9-3 and Chicago was 1-9. Those records do not decide what will happen at 8 p.m. EST, but they explain the pressure in this matchup. The Timberwolves are trying to prove their new group can chase the top of the Western Conference. The Bulls are trying to turn exciting stretches into four full quarters.

Minnesota’s biggest change is also its biggest opportunity. Anthony Edwards remains out, so LaMelo Ball must steer the action. Ball is averaging 18.6 points and 6.3 assists, which means he is scoring while also creating open shots for teammates. His long passes can start a fast break, and his deep shooting pulls defenders away from the hoop.

Without Edwards’ powerful drives, Minnesota will need Ball’s creativity even more. The Timberwolves still have plenty of strength inside. Rudy Gobert grabs 11.5 rebounds per game and makes the paint a difficult place for opponents to enter. Minnesota averages nearly 49 rebounds, more than five above Chicago. Those extra rebounds can end a Bulls trip or give the Wolves another shot of their own.

The Timberwolves arrive hot after beating Dallas 133-94 on Thursday. They score 119.3 points per game and shoot 38 percent from three-point range, a mark that shows how quickly open looks can become trouble. Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga give Minnesota athletic wings who can run the floor and crowd Chicago’s young forwards.

Chicago has its own rising characters. Caleb Wilson leads the Bulls with 18.9 points per game. The 6-foot-9 forward attacks the rim, rebounds, and can make plays on defense. He scored with energy against San Antonio, but Minnesota’s size will make every drive a battle. Nic Claxton can help near the hoop with his quick feet and shot blocking, while Josh Giddey’s 8.3 assists per game show his importance as Chicago’s organizer.

The Bulls must protect the ball after giving it away 19 times against the Spurs. Minnesota creates 8.8 steals per game, so careless passes could turn into fast breaks. Chicago also needs better outside shooting. Its 28.9 percent mark from deep has made it harder to keep defenses spread out, while Minnesota’s defenders can pack the lane around Gobert.

Norman Powell’s return date has passed, but his status remains important to watch because his shooting could give Chicago another needed scorer. Still, the Wolves have more balance, more rebounding, and a home-floor advantage. Prediction: Minnesota will win, with Ball directing the attack and Gobert controlling the paint.

LaMelo Ball Takes the Lead as Bulls Visit Minnesota