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Game Preview: Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks
The Chicago Bulls continue their hot start behind breakout forward Matas Buzelis, looking to stay unbeaten when they host the New York Knicks Friday night at the United Center.
Chicago (4-0) has shown balance and poise through its first four games, blending quick ball movement with improved defense. Second-year star Matas Buzelis has emerged as an early contender in the NBA Most Improved Player race, averaging over 20 points on efficient shooting.
New York (2-2) is searching for rhythm after dropping two straight, including a 121-111 loss to Milwaukee. The Knicks’ new system under coach Mike Brown is still taking shape, but Jalen Brunson remains one of the league’s most consistent guards, averaging nearly 32 points per game.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Knicks opened as 4-point road favorites, with a total of 234.5. Chicago’s strong home form has shifted early action toward the underdog Bulls. Bettors can follow late movement and consensus data through the NBA expert betting guide, especially ahead of Cup games that often bring higher intensity.
For futures bettors, Chicago’s strong start has influenced early projections in the NBA Central Division odds preview, while New York’s ceiling in the East remains tied to Brunson’s consistency and Karl-Anthony Towns’ adjustment to new teammates. Both teams are also featured in early NBA Eastern Conference predictions.
New York Knicks Outlook
The Knicks’ offense runs through Brunson, who’s averaging 31.8 points and 5 assists. Mikal Bridges has provided secondary scoring, while Towns continues to find his rhythm. The challenge lies in shot creation outside of Brunson — New York ranks middle-of-the-pack in offensive efficiency and has struggled late in games when teams trap the ball.
Defensively, New York remains a strong rebounding team (49.5 per game, 3rd in the NBA), but transition defense has lagged, giving up 37 fast-break points to Milwaukee. That weakness could be costly against Chicago’s high-motion offense.
If the Knicks can slow the pace and win on the boards, they can stay competitive, but better shooting from Towns is critical.
Knicks Injury Report
- Miles McBride (G) – Out (Personal)
- Guerschon Yabusele (F) – Day-to-Day (Knee)
- Mitchell Robinson (C) – Out (Ankle)
Chicago Bulls Outlook
The Bulls have found a rhythm early thanks to Buzelis’ versatile scoring and Josh Giddey’s playmaking. Chicago ranks second in assists (30.5 per game) and sixth in field-goal percentage (49.6%), signaling excellent chemistry under coach Billy Donovan.
The Bulls’ defensive identity has improved too, holding opponents to the fewest made threes per game leaguewide. Buzelis’ length allows Chicago to switch fluidly across multiple positions, while Nikola Vucevic anchors the interior.
Chicago’s early-season success has boosted its long-term metrics in the NBA Championship odds forecast and strengthened futures bettors’ interest in a potential playoff run.
Bulls Injury Report
- Zach LaVine (G) – Active
- Alex Caruso (G) – Probable (Back Tightness)
- Patrick Williams (F) – Active
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Buzelis vs Towns: A contrast in momentum and confidence. Buzelis has thrived in space, while Towns has struggled to adapt.
- Brunson vs Giddey: Brunson’s scoring versus Giddey’s vision will define tempo and shot quality.
- Three-Point Defense: Chicago’s discipline against the arc will be tested by New York’s spacing lineups.
Expect the Bulls to attack switches and push in transition, forcing the Knicks to defend at pace. If Chicago’s ball movement stays crisp, they can stretch New York’s defense and create open looks from deep.
Betting Trends
- Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
- Knicks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight as road favorites.
- Under is 5-1 in Chicago’s last six following a win.
- Bulls are 7-3 straight up in their last 10 meetings with New York.
For prop-specific breakdowns and stat-based leans, visit the NBA Scoring Leader odds page, which tracks efficiency trends impacting player totals.
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Prediction
The Knicks’ rebounding advantage may keep this close, but Chicago’s passing, energy, and home momentum should prevail late. Buzelis continues to look like a future star, and the Bulls’ spacing should neutralize New York’s defensive front.
Projected Score: Bulls 112, Knicks 110
Best Bet: Bulls +4.0
Total Lean: Under 234.5
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