Bulls vs Knicks Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Randle Does What He Wants Against Chicago

The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls enter tonight’s showdown at MSG with both teams sitting in the play-in spots, but it’s easy to see why the Knicks are the heavy favorites in the latest NBA odds.

Sparked by 39 points from Julius Randle and an impressive debut from OG Anunoby, New York landed a statement win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, and the hosts look like a good bet to surge into the upper tier in the East this month.

The Bulls finished December on a 5-2 run, but it’s tough to feel good about their prospects with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic both out injured. To make matters worse here, Chicago is coming off a 110-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers last night which was more of a blowout than the final score suggests.

Read on for my free NBA picks for the Bulls vs Knicks on January 3.

Bulls vs Knicks odds

Bulls vs Knicks predictions

There’s a lot to like about the way Julius Randle has played over the past month. He averaged 27.6 points per game in December and has scored 25+ in seven of his last eight outings.

I see Randle posting another big stat line against the Chicago Bulls, who were bulldozed by Joel Embiid in Philadelphia last night. His rebounds prop is tempting, but I’m sticking with his points prop and grabbing the Over.

Randle has been ultra-efficient over the past week, scoring his 39 points on 14-for-24 shooting effort against the Timberwolves on Monday and knocking down 16 of his 25 shots in the loss to the Orlando Magic.

Though the Bulls have looked sturdier on the perimeter without LaVine’s limited defense, the frontcourt depth is thin with Vucevic sidelined, and the visitors may also be missing Patrick Williams tonight — leaving them vulnerable against Randle’s multi-level scoring.

The New York Knicks deal to acquire O.G. Anunoby and send out R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley has a couple of benefits for Randle. The starting lineup now has better spacing to help him go to work in the paint without a sea of defenders standing in his way, and there should be more touches for Randle in the aggregate too.

With Jalen Brunson coming off a 14-assist game against Minnesota, I see more of the same tonight, with the New York point guard putting Randle in positions to cash in the Over.

My best bet: Julius Randle Over 26.5 points (-115 at bet365)

Bulls vs Knicks same-game parlay

Julius Randle Over 26.5 points

O.G. Anunoby Over 2.5 made threes

Knicks -9.5

30% boost available

+500 +650 at bet365

The Knicks may regret giving up quite so much in the trade to land Anunoby, but there’s no question about his fit in New York. Aside from his outstanding defense, he’s a career 38% shooter from 3-point range and he knocked down three triples in his Knicks debut.

I’m taking the Over on Anunoby’s 3-point makes tonight and picking him to pour in at least three shots from downtown for the third time in his last four contests.

I also expect the hosts to take advantage of a banged-up Chicago team on the second night of a back-to-back set. The Bulls trailed 73-42 at halftime in that beatdown, and the Knicks should have similar success slowing down their limited offense.

Anunoby has done a solid job against former teammate DeMar DeRozan in past matchups, and New York looks well placed to cruise to a double-digit victory.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Bulls vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis

With New York’s 9-4 home record and Chicago’s 4-11 road mark, the 9.5-point spread feels about right — and you could make the case that the line should be higher with the Bulls’ lengthy injury list.

Sure, the Knicks are only 5-5 in their last 10 games, but they’ve played a tough schedule, and I’m more inclined to focus on the boost they got from handing the Timberwolves just their eighth loss of the year on Monday.

New York has won three of the past four matchups between these teams, covering the spread in each of those victories.

With Chicago’s offensive struggles, the Under is worth a long look. It’s been a winning ticket in seven of the Bulls’ past 10 outings, and the visitors haven’t scored more than 105 points in any of their last three games.

Though three of the Knicks’ last five games have served up 249 points or more, those totals came against the potent offenses of the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. I see tonight’s battle turning into a lower-scoring scrap.

Bulls vs Knicks betting trend to know

The Bulls have hit their team total Over in 31 of their last 79 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Knicks.

Bulls vs Knicks game info

Bulls vs Knicks latest injuries

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