The New York Knicks host the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 20. This is the first game for both teams after the All-Star break. The Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 36-18 record, while the Bulls are 10th at 22-33, fighting for a play-in spot.
New York won a wild overtime game against the Atlanta Hawks before the break, surviving a late collapse to pull out a 149-148 victory. Chicago, on the other hand, struggled in their last game, losing 128-110 to the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks have won six of their last ten games, while the Bulls have dropped four straight. The last meeting between these teams was a close one, with Chicago pulling off a 124-123 win in New York back in November.
Knicks Preview – Strong at Home
New York has been one of the most consistent teams in the East this season. With a 19-10 home record, they have defended Madison Square Garden well. Jalen Brunson has been the leader, averaging over 27 points per game, while Julius Randle and RJ Barrett provide additional scoring threats. The team plays at a slower pace but is efficient offensively, ranking in the top 10 in field goal percentage.
The Knicks’ defense ranks among the top in the league, allowing just 112.5 points per game. Their perimeter defense has been a weak point at times, but they make up for it with rebounding and interior defense. Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein control the paint, helping the Knicks lead the NBA in defensive rebounding.
New York also gets key contributions off the bench. Josh Hart provides defense and hustle, while Donte DiVincenzo is a three-point specialist. Against a struggling Bulls team, the Knicks will look to control the tempo, dominate the boards, and get high-percentage shots in the paint.
Bulls Preview – Looking for Answers
Chicago has lost four straight games, with an average margin of defeat of 24.5 points. The team is adjusting after trading away Zach LaVine, their leading scorer, in a deal that brought in role players but no true star in return. Coby White and DeMar DeRozan will need to shoulder more of the scoring load, while Nikola Vučević remains a key piece in the frontcourt.
The Bulls’ defense has been a major issue. Over their last five games, they have allowed opponents to shoot 41% from three-point range and score at will. Their struggles in transition defense have also been noticeable, and against a Knicks team that likes to get into early offense, this could be a problem.
One area where Chicago has been strong is covering spreads as an underdog. They are 5-5 against the spread in their last ten matchups with the Knicks. However, with their recent struggles, they will need a strong effort from their bench, including newly acquired Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins, to stay competitive in this one.
Betting Prediction
The Knicks enter as heavy favorites, with a -12.5 spread. The total is set at 243.0, which suggests an expectation of a fast-paced, high-scoring game. New York’s ability to slow down Chicago’s scorers, combined with their rebounding advantage, should give them control throughout the game.
Jalen Brunson has a favorable matchup and could take advantage from beyond the arc, especially given Chicago’s recent struggles defending the perimeter. The Knicks’ defense should be able to keep the Bulls in check, and their home-court advantage gives them an edge. The spread is high, but New York should cover with a comfortable win.
Pick: New York Knicks -12.5 over Chicago Bulls at the Garden.
