Bulls vs. Knicks Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
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Charlie Grant
The New York Knicks are three games into the new NBA season and they’re still looking for their first win – as well as a starting point guard. They host a Bulls team on Monday that is extremely optimistic about the future of their young PG Coby White.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Bulls come into this matchup following at 24-point home loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. Chicago is 1-2 straight up and against the spread after its first three games of the campaign. They’ve played Under the total in each of their last two contests.
New York is winless, but has been a decent ATS bet so far. The club is 2-1 against the number with covers against the Nets and Spurs. The Under is also 2-0 in the Knicks’ last two games, and 5-1 in their last six dating back to last season.
The Knicks won the season series 3-1 (SU and ATS) last year, and the lone loss was a 1-pointer in overtime.
Sports Interaction opened the point spread for this game with the Knicks favoured by a point. The line has since moved two points and the Bulls are now 1-point road faves. About 60 percent of the early action is on Chicago to cover the number.
Chicago Bulls
It would be kind to say the Bulls had an off night against the Raptors on Saturday. Chicago’s three leading scorers shot a combined 10-for-37 (27 percent) in the blowout loss.
Sharp-shooting big man Lauri Markkanen has failed to reach double digits in points since his 35-point, 17-rebound performance in the season opening game. Small forward Otto Porter has been even worse. The forward Wizard owns an ugly 7.3 PER and is averaging just 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Colby White is a bright spot for the Bulls. The rookie guard out of UNC is coming off the bench but making the most of his minutes. White is averaging 16.7 points in 26 minutes per game.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have a point guard issue. They acquired promising youngster Dennis Smith Jr. in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. But Smith lost the starting job in the preseason and has done very little in his game time to earn the role back.
New York is running a backcourt with rookie wing RJ Barrett and former Pelican and Magic point guard Elfrid Payton.