The Chicago Bulls got the better of the New York Knicks on Friday, taking advantage of a controversial ejection and a Knicks team running on fumes to pull off the NBA odds upset.
They’re set to play again Tuesday night, and my NBA picks and Knicks vs. Bulls predictions dig into why I think Tuesday’s game will look entirely different.
Knicks vs Bulls predictions
My best bet
Knicks -3.5 (-115 at Betway)
My analysis
If there was ever such a thing as a schedule loss, last Friday’s bout between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls surely qualifies.
The Bulls dominated the Knicks when they played last week, in one of the most stark rest disparities you’ll see in an NBA game. The Bulls had been off for three full days with no prior travel, sitting and resting at home waiting for the Knicks to fly in. Meanwhile, the Knicks were on the second night of a road back-to-back and their third game in four nights.
The Bulls began the game with great energy, pressuring the ball, attacking the rim, and flying up the court in transition.
Perhaps the most damning indicator though was the battle on the boards. The Knicks win the possession game in nearly every contest as they’re the best rebounding team in the Association. The Bulls, who are average at best on the glass, outrebounded New York 57-38.
The Knicks' lack of productivity on the glass was further magnified by Josh Hart getting tossed on a bizarre Flagrant 2 foul call 11 minutes into the first quarter. Without Julius Randle, the Knicks rely on Hart for 40+ of high-productivity play every game, so without him, they were stretched extra thin.
While Jalen Brunson put in 35 points and 11 assists, most of the supporting cast struggled.
Things should be much different when they match up again Tuesday night. There’s no rest disparity this time and the Knicks cover in 61.4% (27-17-2) of the games they’ve played this season with equal rest to their opponent.
They’re also a killer road team with a 10-5-1 ATS record as road favorites. They should also expect to get much more out of OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson on Tuesday.
OG returned from a nine-game absence in that Friday’s contest, but his timing and rhythm were far from his best.
He looked back to form in the game against the Bucks on Sunday, however, as his defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo turned the tide for New York in the second half. He finished with four steals and two blocks in 37 minutes. When OG's been healthy and available for the Knicks, they've played dominant basketball.
Mitchell Robinson has also slowly begun to rediscover his form after a long injury layoff. With him up to speed, the Knicks have 48 minutes of elite rim protection and offensive rebounding.
Even through all the injuries, the Knicks have the fourth-best point differential since the beginning of March. Now better rested and with critical pieces hitting their stride, they should be comfortably better than the Bulls who are ranked in the Bottom 10 on both sides of the ball this season.
Knicks vs Bulls same-game parlay
Knicks -4
Josh Hart Over 8.5 rebounds
Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 points
Brunson’s usage rate and scoring production have skyrocketed in Randle’s absence, and impressively, his overall efficiency has held steady. He’s averaging 32.1 points over his last 10 games and has had 30+ in five of the last six — including during the game on Friday when the entire Knicks team was gassed.
Hart, for his part, has dominated the glass this season and has 9+ boards in 11 of his last 15 games. Outside of Andre Drummond, the Bulls are a poor rebounding group and Hart is going to be extra motivated to make an impact after having his night cut short on Friday.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Knicks vs Bulls odds
Knicks vs Bulls live odds
Knicks vs Bulls opening odds
- Spread: New York -1.5 | Chicago +1.5
- Moneyline: New York -130 | Chicago +110
- Over/Under: Over 210.5 | Under 210.5
Knicks vs Bulls spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knicks opened as -2.5 favorites over the Bulls and Monday action on the road team has seen that stretch as high as -4 at some sportsbooks.
- The Knicks are 10-5-1 ATS as road favorites.
- The Bulls are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Tuesday’s total opened at 210.5 and rose as high as 213.5 before settling at 212.5 across the board.
Knicks vs Bulls trend
The Knicks are 10-5-1 ATS as road favorites this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Bulls.
Knicks vs Bulls game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Tuesday, 4-9-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-Chicago, MSG |
Knicks vs Bulls latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
