Knicks vs Bulls Picks and Predictions: DeRozan Bears Offensive Load for Chicago

The New York Knicks have won five games in a row, and fans across New York City are beginning to believe the playoffs are a real possibility. On Wednesday, they faced off with the Chicago Bulls in the first game of a two-game series that resulted in a 128-120 overtime victory for New York. 

Chicago will look to keep feeding its star DeMar DeRozan, who nearly led it to a come-from-behind victory in which it trailed by nine points at halftime. Tonight will be much of the same — DeRozan will score, and Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson will counter. Tonight has the makings of another close one.

Find out the best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Bulls vs. Knicks on Wednesday, December 16.

Knicks vs Bulls best odds

Knicks vs Bulls picks and predictions

For all the struggles Chicago has gone through this year, the one consistent has been DeMar DeRozan, who appears to be headed to another All-Star team with his fine production this season. While he was far from dominant in Wednesday's tilt against the Knicks, his ability to get to the free-throw line was a vital aspect of the game. 

Tonight, Derozan's Over/Under for points is hovering at 26.5, a mark he's covered 15 times this season. R.J. Barrett has been a respectable defender against DeRozan, holding the Bulls star to 23.9 points per game over seven matchups. However, the last three games between the two have resulted in 30 points or more for the 14-year veteran. 

Tonight shouldn't be any different, as DeRozan scored 27 or more points in his last four games. Last season, the 33-year-old found great success against New York, scoring 30.5 per game. I'd expect to see him come out extremely aggressive, looking to get the Knicks in foul trouble early.

On the season, the Knicks foul the third-most per game in the entire NBA. The fouling was on full display when DeRozan went to the free throw line 17 times, fouling Barrett out of the game. 

With Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and DeRozan playing a significant amount of minutes together, DeRozan typically handles much of the small forward duties for the Bulls.

His scoring on Wednesday shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, as the Knicks currently surrender 24.3 points per game to opposing small forwards. That mark is the fourth-highest in the entire NBA. New York won't double DeRozan with the threat of LaVine on the perimeter, forcing Barrett into many one-on-one situations. I love DeRozan in this one. 

My best bet: DeMar DeRozan Over 26.5 points (-113)

Knicks vs Bulls spread analysis

The lines opened up in this one with the Chicago Bulls holding a 3-point advantage over New York. Going into the matchup between these two teams on Wednesday, I am somewhat surprised by this spread. The Knicks, winners of five straight, have been playing their best basketball of the season. The Bulls remain inconsistent, only winning four out of their last 10 games. 

For New York, it's about limiting the turnovers. After a tremendous first half relying on its defensive intensity and smooth ball movement on offense, it became lazy in the second half, turning the ball over in bunches due to many ISO plays. The Knicks will adjust to more ball movement, which gave them a nine-point lead over Chicago in the first half. 

Another reason to like the Knicks' chances is the defensive presence Quentin Grimes brings to the starting unit. In 434 minutes this season, he's posting a 107.6 defensive rating while most times defending against the opponent's best offensive guard/wing. 

I expect New York to come out with high defensive intensity. If it can clean up the turnovers, I love its chances tonight. 

Knicks vs Bulls Over/Under analysis

The O/U for this one was initially set at 228.5 before slightly diving to 225. The total is 22.5 off from the 248 the two teams combined to score on Wednesday. 

The 248 points scored previously was more than initially imagined, with the Knicks playing so well defensively of late. The Bulls were able to capitalize off New York's 16 team turnovers, including six from Julius Randle. 

Wednesday was a high-scoring affair. I'm betting the Knicks get back to their identity tonight and force Chicago into a tough, rugged matchup. Both of these teams could be better at hitting the Over on a nightly basis. The Under is 4-0 in New York's last four games after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game. 

Knicks vs Bulls betting trend to know

The Knicks are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Bulls.

Knicks vs Bulls game info

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