On a chilly February night in Chicago, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls squared off in a matchup that, despite the teams’ contrasting trajectories, carried plenty of intrigue for NBA fans. With tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET at the United Center, the Knicks arrived boasting a 36-21 record and a firm grip on third place in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls, mired in a challenging rebuild, stood at 24-33 and desperately seeking to snap an eight-game losing streak.
The Knicks, under the stewardship of head coach Mike Brown, have transformed their identity this season. Brown’s arrival signaled the end of the Tom Thibodeau era and ushered in a more modern, motion-heavy “read-and-react” offense. It’s paid dividends—New York currently ranks third in the NBA in offensive rating at 119.9, a testament to the system’s emphasis on versatility and high-frequency screening. Yet, as with any significant change, there have been growing pains. The most notable has been the shooting struggles of All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite his selection to the midseason showcase, Towns has seen his field goal percentage at the rim drop by 9% and his catch-and-shoot three-point accuracy decline by more than 10%, a concerning trend as the Knicks eye a deep playoff run.
Fortunately for New York, Jalen Brunson has more than picked up the slack. February has seen Brunson cement his reputation as one of basketball’s best closers, highlighted by a 33-point effort in a recent loss to Detroit and a heroic 18-point fourth-quarter comeback against Houston. Brunson’s averages—27.0 points and 6.1 assists per game—underscore his status as the engine of the Knicks’ attack. “He’s been on an absolute tear,” noted one league observer, and the numbers back it up.
The Knicks’ front office hasn’t rested on its laurels either. In pursuit of a more robust supporting cast, New York traded for Jose Alvarado, whose defensive tenacity and knack for timely steals were on full display in the recent Houston victory, where he logged five steals off the bench. More recently, Jeremy Sochan joined the fold via the buyout market, adding a Swiss Army Knife defender to a team already rich in perimeter stoppers. OG Anunoby, recently cleared from a toe injury, returned to the starting lineup and immediately made an impact, notching four steals alongside 20 points in that Houston thriller.
As for the Bulls, February 2026 has been nothing short of a turning point. The franchise, under executive Artūras Karnišovas, pulled the trigger on a dramatic roster overhaul at the trade deadline, sending out long-time contributors Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu in a clear pivot toward a full-scale rebuild. The result has been a patchwork rotation and a string of tough losses—eight in a row, to be exact, with 11 defeats in their last 12 outings. The latest setback came at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, who rode a big third quarter to a 126-110 win in Chicago. Still, the Bulls have found bright spots amid the gloom. Josh Giddey, one of the team’s new focal points, poured in 27 points against Detroit and leads the Bulls with averages of 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. Matas Buzelis, a promising young forward, added 15 points and six blocks, while Isaac Okoro and Jalen Smith contributed 15 apiece.
Injuries have further complicated matters for Chicago. Jaden Ivey, acquired from Detroit, is sidelined for at least two weeks with a sore left knee, and Anfernee Simons exited the Detroit game with a left wrist injury, leaving the Bulls shorthanded in the backcourt. Patrick Williams was listed as probable with a hand issue, while Zach Collins and Noa Essengue are out for the season. The starting lineup against New York reflected these absences: Josh Giddey at point guard, Collin Sexton at shooting guard, Isaac Okoro at small forward, Matas Buzelis at power forward, and Jalen Smith at center. Guerschon Yabusele, another recent addition, chipped in 12 points and eight assists off the bench in the Detroit loss.
For the Knicks, the probable starters were Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Hart’s rebounding and transition play—3.4 boards per game—have become integral to New York’s pace-down strategy, while Bridges’ ironman minutes and perimeter defense offer a steadying presence. The Knicks’ bench, rejuvenated by Alvarado and Sochan, was expected to provide critical defensive intensity, especially with Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride both out due to injury.
This season’s series between the two teams has been a seesaw affair. The Bulls claimed the opener on October 31, 2025, with a 135-125 victory at the United Center, but the Knicks responded with a 128-116 win at home just days later. The trend continued: Chicago eked out a 124-123 win on November 14, while New York dominated the January 5 meeting, 139-126. High-scoring games have been the norm, with the “over” hitting in nearly 85% of their recent head-to-heads. All-time, Chicago holds a 131-120 edge in regular-season meetings, but the teams’ current directions couldn’t be more different.
Statistically, the Knicks average 117.7 points per game, just a tick below the 120.5 points the Bulls allow. Chicago, meanwhile, puts up 116.4 points a night—still respectable, but not enough to offset their defensive woes. Betting odds reflected the disparity: New York entered as a 9.5-point favorite, with a -400 moneyline, while Chicago was a +300 underdog. The total points line sat at 234.5, a nod to both teams’ offensive firepower and recent high-scoring history.
Fans tuning in had a variety of options. In New York, MSG Network carried the broadcast, while Chicago viewers watched on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). For cord-cutters, Fubo offered streaming access, and NBA League Pass was available internationally, subject to local restrictions. Those abroad could use VPN services to catch their preferred feed.
Despite the Bulls’ recent struggles, there was no shortage of storylines. Would Giddey and Buzelis step up and help Chicago finally halt their skid? Could the Knicks maintain their offensive rhythm and continue their push for a top-three seed? With both teams missing key rotation players, depth and adaptability were set to play outsized roles.
As the action unfolded, fans were treated to a showcase of grit and evolving identities. The Knicks, with their potent offense and playoff aspirations, squared off against a Bulls squad eager to find cohesion amid adversity. The outcome of this chapter in their rivalry would not only impact the standings but also set the tone for the final stretch of the season. With the Eastern Conference race heating up and the Bulls determined to play spoiler, the United Center was once again the stage for NBA drama at its finest.