The New York Knicks (2-2) and Chicago Bulls (4-0) meet in an NBA Cup group stage battle Friday. Tip from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Knicks vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Bulls won 2-1
The Knicks, who started off their season with 2 straight wins, lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 121-111 Tuesday, failing to cover as a 2-point road favorite as the Over (229.5) cashed. G Jalen Brunson led 4 Knicks in double figures with 36 points. New York has struggled so far on the road, going 0-2 straight up and against the spread (ATS).
The Bulls beat the Sacramento Kings 126-113 Wednesday, covering as a 4.5-point home favorite as the Over (238) hit. F Matas Buzelis dropped a team-high 27 points, and C Nikola Vucevic stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists. Chicago, 3-0 ATS at home, and Philadelphia are the last teams in the Eastern Conference still undefeated.
Knicks at Bulls odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:07 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Knicks -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Bulls +154 (bet $100 to win $154)Against the spread (ATS): Knicks -4.5 (-110) | Bulls +4.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Knicks at Bulls key injuries
Knicks
C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) questionableF Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) probable
Bulls
F Zach Collins (scaphoid) outG Coby White (calf) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Knicks at Bulls picks and predictionsPrediction
Bulls 116, Knicks 114
BET BULLS (+154).
The Bulls have a few premier offensive playmakers in Vucevic and G Josh Giddey, but their team has found success because of their defense, ranking third (106.2) in defensive rating. They also have the fifth-best net rating, while the Knicks rank 16th in that category.
Given that part of the Knicks’ success has been their ability to crash the glass and have success with second-chance efforts, the Bulls’ ranking second in defensive rebounding rate should suggest they can limit those opportunities. They match up well with New York and should be able to come out on top and stay undefeated at home.
Back BULLS (+154).
PASS.
The value on the moneyline is the real winner here and is worth playing compared to the few points you can get on the spread. Look there for the preferred wager.
BET UNDER 235.5 (-115).
The Knicks don’t play fast and, as noted, will have limited second-chance opportunities. They rank 22nd in pace this season. New York is 2-2 O/U and has allowed 115 points or fewer in 3 of 4 contests this season.
The Bulls are 2-2 O/U as well and have given up 113 points or fewer in 3 of 4 games as well. Given that both teams rank in the top 10 in defensive rating, scoring might be hard to come by. Take UNDER 235.5 (-115).
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