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The New York Knicks look to maintain their grip on the third seed in the Eastern Conference as they head to the United Center to face a struggling Chicago Bulls squad this Sunday. New York brings a solid 36-21 record into this matchup, led by head coach Mike Brown. While the Knicks have been dominant at home, they are still working to push their away record further above the .500 mark, currently sitting at 14-13 on the road. This game represents a prime opportunity for New York to capitalize on a vulnerable opponent and build momentum following their recent narrow victory against the Rockets.
Chicago finds itself in a much darker place, currently 12th in the East with a 24-33 record. The Bulls are mired in a miserable eight-game losing streak and have struggled to find any defensive consistency under Billy Donovan. Their most recent outing against the Pistons was a collapse in the third quarter that highlighted the team’s inability to stop scoring runs. This Sunday night clash tips off in Chicago where the Bulls are desperate to salvage what is left of their season, while the oddsmakers have the Knicks as a heavy 10.5-point favorite with a total set at 232.5.
New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Odds
Bettors should keep in mind that these are the current betting lines and it is essential to keep an eye on the latest NBA odds before locking in any plays. Movement on this double-digit spread is likely if any late rotation news surfaces.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| New York Knicks | -480 | -10.5 (-110) | O 232.5 (-110) |
| Chicago Bulls | +365 | +10.5 (-112) | U 232.5 (-110) |
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New York Knicks Betting Form
The Knicks are playing some of the most efficient basketball in the league right now. They rank 8th in scoring at 117.7 points per game, but it is their outside shooting that really makes them dangerous. Currently sitting 3rd in the NBA in three-point percentage, they have the floor spacing to punish teams that collapse on their bigs. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a revelation in this system, recently coming off a 25-point night where he shot nearly 67 percent from the field. When you pair that with the perimeter scoring of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, you have a lineup that is incredibly difficult to defend.
Perhaps more importantly for bettors, the Knicks actually defend. They allow only 112 points per game, which is the 6th-best mark in the league. They have shown they can travel well too, as evidenced by their massive blowout win in Philadelphia earlier this year. I think their ability to stay disciplined on the road is what separates them from other top-tier teams in the East. Before making a move, I’d suggest looking over the New York Knicks stats and results and double-checking the New York Knicks injury report for any late scratches.
Chicago Bulls Betting Form
It is hard to find a silver lining for the Bulls lately. Losing eight straight games is tough enough, but the way they are losing is even more concerning. They allow 120.5 points per game, which is one of the worst defensive marks in the NBA. Even when their offense clicks, their defense usually lets them down. In their recent loss to Detroit, they simply let the game get away from them in the second half. Josh Giddey has been a bright spot, recently putting up 27 points on high efficiency, and rookie Matas Buzelis is showing flashes of why he was a high draft pick, but it has not translated to wins.
The Bulls do have the ability to score, ranking 11th in the league and 6th in three-pointers made. If they can get hot from the outside, they can stay competitive for stretches, especially at the United Center where they tend to shoot a bit better. However, their turnover issues have been glaring. If they cannot protect the ball against a Mike Brown-coached defense, this could get ugly fast. Make sure to monitor the Chicago Bulls injury report and check out the Chicago Bulls schedule and stats to see if there is any indication of this slide ending.
New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is a total contrast in defensive intensity. The Knicks thrive on making life difficult for opposing guards, while the Bulls often look like a sieve on the perimeter. The Knicks’ 3rd-ranked three-point shooting is a nightmare matchup for a Chicago defense that consistently gives up open looks. If New York finds their rhythm early, the Bulls do not have the defensive personnel to slow them down without sending extra help, which only opens up more lanes for Brunson.
The pace will be interesting here. Chicago likes to get shots up quickly, but New York is comfortable playing a more measured, half-court game if it means getting better looks. I expect the Knicks to dominate the rebounding battle as well, which should limit Chicago’s second-chance opportunities. Following a solid NBA betting guide can help you understand how these large spreads behave when a top-tier defense faces a bottom-tier one.
- Knicks’ elite perimeter shooting vs Bulls’ porous defense.
- Josh Giddey’s playmaking against the Knicks’ 6th-ranked scoring defense.
- The rebounding discrepancy that likely favors Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York frontcourt.
The situational angle here is also heavy. A team on an eight-game losing streak is often mentally fragile. If the Knicks jump out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, the Bulls might not have the fight left to climb back into it.
New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Predictions and Best Bets
I am laying the points with the Knicks. 10.5 is a large number on the road, but the statistical gap between these two teams is enormous. New York’s defense allows 112 points while Chicago gives up over 120. Even if the Bulls have a decent offensive night, they simply do not stop anyone. My projection has the Knicks winning this one by about 11 or 12 points, which covers the current spread. New York has the veteran leadership to not overlook a “trap” game like this.
As for the total, I think the Under 232.5 is the smarter play. Even though Chicago’s defense is bad, the Knicks’ defense is elite. The model projects a total of 229 points. I think New York will control the tempo and limit Chicago’s fast-break opportunities. The Knicks aren’t going to let this turn into a track meet if they can help it, and their defensive discipline usually keeps scores lower than the market expects for high-paced teams like the Bulls.
I think the most likely scenario is New York pulling away in the second half and leaning on their defense to close it out. I’ll take the superior team to cover against a group that has forgotten how to win.
Best Bet: Knicks -10.5 (-110).
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