New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls Odds, Preview, Prediction
Knicks vs. Bulls Odds
| Knicks Odds | +1.5 |
| Bulls Odds | -1.5 |
| Over/Under | 215.5 |
| Date | Thursday, Oct. 28 |
| Time | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBATV |
On Thursday evening, the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls will battle at the United Center. New York has won three of their first four games to start the new season, with their only loss coming by six points against the Orlando Magic—a game in which New York was outscored by 12 points in an uncharacteristically undisciplined fourth quarter. Chicago is one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NBA, after having defeated the Detroit Pistons twice, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Toronto Raptors. Oddsmakers anticipate the Bulls staying undefeated, pricing Chicago as 1.5 point home favorites on the spread.
Let’s take a closer look at the matchup between the two teams and see where NBA bettors can find value at sportsbooks for this late-night game in Portland.
New York Knicks (+1.5)
Following a breakout 2020-2021 campaign, Julius Randle has picked up right where he left off so far on the young season. Through four games, he is averaging 25.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists as the unambiguous leader of this team. Unlike last year, Randle has experienced plenty of help on the offensive end of the floor with eight players averaging 8.5 points or more per game. New additions Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier seem to be finding their stride with their new team. Derrick Rose and R.J. Barrett continue to be two of the most underrated players in the entire league. Nerlens Noel has not played for New York yet this season, but is officially listed as questionable tonight. He would be a tremendous asset to add to an already solid defense.
New York’s biggest struggle last season came offensively, as this roster found it difficult to generate much offense outside of Randle. In four contests to begin this season, the Knicks are averaging 113.1 points per 100 possessions, which ranks fourth in the league. Adding defensively challenged players such as Fournier and Walker has temporarily hurt this defense, but the return of Noel will undoubtedly return this group to the top-10 in defensive efficiency.
Chicago Bulls (-1.5)
Chicago is off to their best start to a campaign since Michael Jordan was in town, but Bulls fans should be careful not to get too excited about this group too soon. Though Chicago is only one of two teams to remain undefeated this year, they have played four games against teams likely heading to the lottery again next summer. The Detroit Pistons were also without their top draft pick, Cade Cunningham. New Orleans was missing Zion Williamson. Toronto was missing Pascal Siakam, who led the team in scoring last year.
New York presents Chicago with their toughest test of the season by far, and it comes on the heels of news breaking that Zach LaVine is dealing with a small ligament tear in the thumb of his non-shooting hand. LaVine, who is leading the Bulls in scoring at 25.5 points per night, is listed as questionable for this contest, but is expected to play.
The main area of vulnerability for Chicago is in the second unit. Whereas New York has eight players averaging 8.5 or more points, Chicago only has four such players. When this team is forced to play without LaVine and DeRozan on the floor, open looks are difficult to find.
Knicks vs. Bulls Pick
New York is the better team in this Thursday night affair. If Noel suits up, the advantage becomes even greater. Tom Thibodeau has instilled a gritty, win-at-all-costs mentality in the Knicks locker room. New York is unlikely to win this game as easily as they beat the Philadelphia 76ers at home earlier this week, but they have enough talent to hand Chicago their first loss of the season.
PICKS: Knicks ML (+102)
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