The New York Knicks (9-7) travel to United Center Sunday to take on the Chicago Bulls (11-5). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Knicks at Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
In a battle of two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls will welcome the Knicks. The Bulls should be happy to be home after playing five straight on the West Coast.
However, Chicago ended its West Coast road swing with a win over the Nuggets. The Bulls are 11-5 ATS and 7-9 O/U. Chicago is led by wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
As for the Knicks, they’re currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite their positive record, they’re just 4-6 in their last 10 games. New York is 7-9 ATS and 6-10 O/U. They’re led by star forward Julius Randle.
Knicks at Bulls odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Bulls -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +5.5 (-110) | Bulls -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Knicks at Bulls key injuries
Knicks
- C Taj Gibson (groin) questionable
- C Mitchell Robinson (nose) questionable
- PF Obi Toppin (leg) questionable
Bulls
- F Patrick Williams (wrist) out
- C Nikola Vucevic (health and safety protocols) questionable
Knicks at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bulls 109, Knicks 103
Money line
PASS on the money line.
If anything, consider betting the Knicks at +180 as they should have a size advantage and have the defensive capabilities to at least slowdown DeRozan and LaVine. The Bulls would need to get down under -150 to be playable.
Against the spread
BET to the BULLS -5.5 (-110) as the better side of the spread. While the Knicks lost by just one to the Bulls the first time around, every other loss they’ve had was by more than five points.
With late-game fouling, I’d expect this one to be more than a couple of field goals difference as well. The Bulls rank seventh in offensive rating while the Knicks are sitting at 11th.
The difference should be seen in the defense as the Bulls rank sixth in defensive rating. The Knicks have dropped off on that side of the floor, ranking 17th.
They also have the 24th-worst net rating after the half which could lead to this game getting ugly following the break.
Over/Under
“LEAN” on the OVER 210.5 (-112) as the best value. The Knicks might be the second slowest team in the NBA, but on the road, they’ll be playing at Chicago’s pace.
The Bulls rank 14th in the league in pace and rarely turn the ball over, two things that’ll help push up their points in this one. Also, last time these two teams played, Chicago shot 43% from the field.
Given the Knicks’ elite second unit (New York bench averages the third-most points in the NBA) combined with the star power and shooting in their starting unit, and I think this Over could be the better value on the total.
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