Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/3/24)
The Chicago Bulls (15-20) meet the New York Knicks (18-15) this Wednesday (1/3/24). Get Bulls vs. Knicks moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Prediction
The Knicks outscore opponents by 6.6 points per 100 possessions during the first quarter, while the Bulls are being outscored by 11.7 points per 100 possessions (via NBA.com). These marks rank 6th and 27th, respectively.
Chicago allows the second most open plus wide open three-point attempts and the largest catch-and-shoot three-point frequency. New York ranks 9th in three-point percentage and features excellent spot up shooters such as OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, and Quentin Grimes. The Bulls will struggle to defend Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle’s isolation scoring while simultaneously staying attached to outside shooters here. Andre Drummond’s lack of mobility defending the pick-and-roll is a plus for Brunson too.
Defensively, OG Anunoby has the chops to stick to DeMar DeRozan and limit Chicago’s top scoring option. The Bulls also struggle to shoot from outside, so it’s unlikely that they can punish New York’s questionable three-point defense.
Finally, Mitchell Robinson’s injury assuredly hurts New York’s rebounding, but the Knicks remain a quality rebounding team with Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein on the court. Since Hartenstein entered the starting lineup, the Knicks are 13th in opponent offensive rebound rate. Therefore, Andre Drummond’s typical offensive rebounding advantage is essentially nullified.
Overall, the ailing Bulls are on the road and overmatched against this new-look Knicks squad. It would be surprising if they managed to keep it within two points by the end of the first quarter.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Prediction: 1st Quarter Knicks -2.5 (-112 FD)
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Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Best Odds
The Knicks are favored by 8.5 points, although that figure may change depending on whether Coby White (17.6 PPG) and Patrick Williams (10.2 PPG) suit up. If both players sit out, then the spread will grow by a significant amount. Chicago is 7-8 against the spread on the road, and New York is 7-5-1 at home.
The Bulls must win this game about 23 percent of the time for their +340 moneyline to hold a positive expected value, thus making it theoretically profitable in the long run.
Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup
PG: Coby White
SG: Alex Caruso
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Patrick Williams
C: Andre Drummond
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: OG Anunoby
PF: Julius Randle
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Injuries
Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Torrey Craig remain sidelined for Chicago, while Coby White and Patrick Williams are both questionable due to ankle injuries. The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson and Malachi Flynn.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks Key Matchups
OG Anunoby’s Two-Way Impact
Anunoby currently owns a 37.9 three-point percentage on six attempts per game. The Knicks will frequently drive-and-kick to the corners against Chicago’s putrid three-point defense, so Anunoby should see a plethora of clean looks from deep. If he can open the game on a heater, then New York’s offense has every chance of building a sizable first quarter lead.
Meanwhile, DeRozan paces the Bulls at 22.2 points per game, and the offense lacks creation with LaVine and Vucevic sidelined. If Anunoby blankets DeRozan and forces him into tough, contested mid-range jumpers, then it will lead to a low expected points per possession for Chicago’s offense. Essentially, Anunoby is New York’s X Factor in this matchup.
Alex Caruso’s Defense
Caruso remains an elite perimeter defender that excels in the pick-and-roll, but he has a tough matchup in Jalen Brunson. The Knicks guard is averaging 25.6 points per game and operates as the engine of the offense. If Caruso can limit Brunson and cut off the head of the snake, then New York’s offense could be bumpier than expected.
