The Chicago Bulls (37 - 22) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (13 - 44) 96 - 89 on Friday. With Derrick Rose likely to be out for awhile after undergoing surgery on his meniscus, the Bulls will look to Aaron Brooks to help keep them afloat near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Brooks played 31 minutes and scored six points on 2 - of - 15 shooting. He had four assists, four rebounds and one steal to help make up for his poor shooting performance. Taj Gibson got the start at power forward in place on Pau Gasol, who was out with an illness. Gibson injured his ankle and was unable to return to the game. Jimmy Butler put on a show, he played 43 minutes and had 28 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Adreian Payne was placed back into the starting lineup at power forward. He came off the bench Wednesday to allow Kevin Garnett to make his return to the Timberwolves as a starter. Garnett (rest) sat out against the Bulls. Payne played 27 minutes and finished with six points and five rebounds. Ricky Rubio dished out 10 assists to go along with 15 points and six rebounds. Despite playing their best basketball of the season in the month of February, the Timbwolves still own the worst record in the Western Conference. Minnesota will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday and the Bulls will welcome the Los Angeles Clippers to town on Sunday.
["TeamStat(G,'Bulls') has 22 Losses ,has 96 Total points ,has 37 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Timberwolves') has 44 Losses ,has 89 Total points ,has 13 Wins ."]