Chicago @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 9, 2019 ) New York 96, Chicago 86

After finishing with the worst record in the NBA in 2018-19, the New York Knicks have quickly found themselves in the basement early this season. They'll try to pick up their first win in four tries when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday.

Following a pair of single-digit road losses to begin its campaign, New York was outscored by 28 points in the second half at home to drop a 118-95 decision to the Boston Celtics on Saturday. "That was an embarrassing second half," Knicks coach David Fizdale told reporters after a game in which his team shot 38.8 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 22 times. The Bulls followed up a 1-1 road trip to begin the season with a 108-84 loss in their home opener against Toronto on Saturday. Forward Lauri Markkanen was limited to nine points for the second consecutive time after scoring 35 in the team's opening game Wednesday at Charlotte.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE BULLS (1-2): Wendell Carter Jr. led Chicago with only 12 points in Saturday's loss as the team shot 29.9 percent to lose its home opener following a 9-32 effort at the United Center last season. "It's a huge point of emphasis," coach Jim Boylen told reporters of the Bulls' desire to improve at home. "But those are just words. You've got to go do it." Guard Zach LaVine had 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting after scoring 37 the night before in Memphis.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (0-3): New York continues to have issues at point guard as several players vie for playing time, although Dennis Smith Jr. is having the most difficulty getting going. Smith, a key piece acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade with Dallas last season, missed his only three shots in the loss to Boston and is 1-for-11 from the floor in 26 minutes thus far - 4-for-28 including the preseason. Fellow point guard Frank Ntilikina never got off the bench for the second straight game after playing just three minutes in the season opener at San Antonio.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls SF Chandler Hutchison (hamstring) has yet to play this season but is getting closer to making his debut, Boylen told reporters.

2. Knicks rookie SF RJ Barrett scored 26 points in his home debut Saturday and is averaging 21 while shooting 51 percent from the field through his first three games.

3. New York took two of three meetings last season, including a 96-86 victory at Chicago in the final matchup behind 25 points from Smith.

PREDICTION: Knicks 104, Bulls 101