Bulls vs Knicks Picks and Predictions: Sending Bulls Out to Pasture

The New York Knicks' exciting eight-game winning streak has finally ended after losing a close one to the Raptors. Now, the Knicks will look to avoid dropping two in a row at home. A big question will be whether Quentin Grimes is cleared to play. His defensive intensity will be a game-changer should he suit up. 

For the Chicago Bulls, this is about trying to stack multiple wins together in a rough season. Look for Chicago to try and avoid dropping its third game this season to New York by riding  DeMar DeRozan, who will look to have a big game.

Find out the best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Bulls vs. Knicks on Friday, December 23.

Bulls vs Knicks best odds

Bulls vs Knicks picks and predictions

After a very slow start to the season where it appeared RJ Barrett had taken a massive step back, the fourth-year player has made enormous progress of late. For the year, Barrett scored 19.7 points per night on 42.3% shooting, a steady climb from a few weeks ago when he scored under 40% efficiency. 

Tonight, Barrett gets the Bulls again, a team he has had great success against this season. His size, strength, and ability to get to the basket match up well with DeMar DeRozan, who will catch Barrett when he’s thriving. Barrett has averaged 24.5 points on 45.9% efficiency from the field in two matchups this season. 

Barrett will enter tonight’s action, coming off his best game of the season. He notched 30 points on 11 of 19 shooting, showing an ability to score from the inside and outside at will. To put into perspective just how much he’s improved, Barrett averaged 12.6 points on 26.3% shooting over the course of five games from November 12 to the 20th. Since then, he’s been scoring 21.7 points on 45.8% shooting. 

Tonight won’t be any different for Barrett, who has the strength and confidence to battle with Derozan. In his last ten games, he’s scored over the 23.5 points mark set for him in this game five times. He's heating up, and I'm buying stock.

My best bet: RJ Barrett Over 23.5 points (-101)

Bulls vs Knicks spread analysis

The spread is currently listed at -5 in favor of the Knicks, and that makes sense as New York has won eight of their last 10 games. Conversely, the Bulls have only won four of their last 10.

The Knicks' winning streak may be over, but they hope to keep their current two-game winning stretch over the Bulls this season intact. The Knicks are better than the floundering Bulls, and things could get worse if the rumors swirling around Zach LaVine possibly getting moved before the deadline are accurate. 

A big statement during the Knicks' winning attack was their ability to go into United Center for back-to-back games and secure victories both times. That must be deflating for Chicago and proof it doesn't have enough to keep up with New York. 

Here’s something to consider: the Bulls allow 114.5 points per game. New York has a 9-6 record against the spread and an 11-4 record overall when scoring more than 114.5 points. I’m banking on New York’s 11th-ranked defense (111.7) to successfully cover against the Bulls' 16th-ranked offense (113.1 points per game).

Bulls vs Knicks Over/Under analysis

The Knicks and Bulls enter this one with the O/U currently set at 225. The two teams have split on the O/U this season, with neither contest coming close to the medium. The first matchup saw the Over-hit by 21.5, and the second saw the Under successfully hit by 20.5.   

Tonight is a good moment for the Knicks to come out with the right mindset after letting Pascal Siakam inexcusably burn them for 52 points. Look for a much more spirited effort out of a team that oddly has had more success on the road than at home. That tide needs to turn if the Knicks are going to be considered a legitimately good team, and Chicago is a good test. 

One key factor to the Knicks and whether the Over or Under will hit tonight is Quentin Grimes' availability. The second-year player is a great defensive talent, and New York is 6-10 O/U when he starts this season. Tonight shouldn’t be any different. If Grimes plays, the Under will be an appealing option, as he will be a nuisance for DeRozan and LaVine. If he’s out, look for one of those two players to have a huge night and drive the scoreboard past the Over.

Bulls vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Knicks are 6-0 ATS in their last six games playing on one day's rest. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Knicks.

Bulls vs Knicks game info

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