Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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Head coach Kurt Rambis

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Corey Brewer

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Wolves vs. Bulls 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FS North
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN AM 1130

Scouting Report:
Big Picture:
Two rookies played essential roles in the Bulls' return to the postseason last year. First year head coach Vinny Del Negro rallied the team to an 8-game improvement from the previous season. 2008 No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose lived up to all the expectations with a spectacular rookie campaign. Despite forward Luol Deng missing 33 games, Chicago finished strong by winning five of its last six games and earning the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Bulls battled Boston in a memorable first round series but eventually fell in Game 7 109-99.

Backcourt:
Chicago will have to fill a substantial void left by guard Ben Gordon, who decided to sign with Detroit this offseason. Gordon inked a hefty five-year deal worth $55 million after averaging a team-best 20.7 points per game in 2008-09. The Bulls will rely on John Salmons and newly acquired shooting guard Jannero Pargo to produce on the offensive side of the floor. At the point guard position, Chicago is deep with Rose and Kirk Hinrich providing playmaking abilities in the backcourt. Rose averaged 16.8 points along with 6.3 assists last season as the clear-cut Rookie of the Year. The dynamic point man is a difficult assignment for the opposing team due to his ability to penetrate the defense and make plays. Rose is dealing with an ankle injury that could sideline him for another week. His status is doubtful for the matchup tonight against Minnesota.

Frontcourt:
Last year, the Bulls did not receive much offense from the big men. Deng was sidelined for a large portion of the season and Drew Gooden (13.1 points per game) is now with the San Antonio Spurs. To account for the lack of scoring threats inside the paint, Chicago drafted forwards James Johnson and Taj Gibson. The two draft picks are undersized power forwards but Johnson proved to be an effective offensive player at Wake Forest. Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas, and Joakim Noah are strong defensively and helped Chicago rank in the top ten in rebounding last year.

What To Look For:
The Bulls are 3-1 in preseason games with Rose and Thomas missing the past three contests. This week, Chicago and Minnesota square off twice in the next three days. Expect Johnson, Pargo, and Gibson to garner the bulk of the minutes as the Bulls evaluate their depth for the 2009-10 season. Fans will recognize Wolves 2007 second round draft pick Chris Richard on tonight. Richard recorded 19 minutes in the 87-86 win over Milwaukee last night.

Minnesota returns to the Target Center after a sub-par performance last Friday against Toronto. Corey Brewer was impressive by slashing to the paint for 16 points and Al Jefferson added 14 in his second official game back from the knee injury. Jonny Flynn contributed 14 points while Kevin Love grabbed 14 boards in the loss to the Raptors. Head coach Kurt Rambis will continue to tinker with the lineup, expecting an improved product tonight at the Target Center.

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