The Chicago Bulls (29-47) and New York Knicks (49-28) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Knicks are 14.5-point favorites over the Bulls on the spread (Knicks -14.5), with the over/under set at 237.5 total points. New York is a -1100 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Chicago is +700 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bulls vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks for Friday, April 3.
Bulls vs Knicks Prediction, Pick
- Bulls vs Knicks pick: OG Anunoby Over 1.5 Steals (+126)
My Knicks vs. Bulls best bet is on OG Anunoby to record over 1.5 steals in tonight's game. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Bulls vs Knicks Odds
| Bulls Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 237.5 -110o / -110u | +700 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 237.5 -110o / -110u | -1100 |
Bulls vs Knicks NBA Preview
The Knicks are one game ahead of the Cavaliers, and they own the tiebreaker. However, would it actually be better for the Knicks to drop down to the 4-seed?
Some might argue that New York might be better off falling a spot.
The Pistons having dominated the season series against New York, but because of the uncertainty around Cade Cunningham's eventual return, some may see Detroit as the ideal second-round matchup.
Whoever is the 3-seed will likely draw the Celtics in Round 2, who are arguably the best-looking team in the East right now.
The Knicks are probably better off just going out there and trying their best heading into the postseason, especially defensively — instead of trying to pick-and-choose their matchups.
Here's the Bulls' ridiculous injury report:
Anfernee Simons (wrist), Jalen Smith (calf), Zach Collins (toe) and Noa Essengue (shoulder) are out. Guerschon Yabusele (ankle), Lachlan Olbrich (foot) and Mac McClung (abdomen) are probable. Nick Richards (elbow), Tre Jones (ankle) and Josh Giddey (hamstring) are questionable.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have a clean injury report as of Friday morning.
Bulls vs Knicks Predictions, Betting Analysis
Ever since the Bulls really started tanking — February 1 — they have posted a miserable record of 5-22.
More to the point, the Bulls have posted a 16.2% turnover rate in those games — the fourth-highest mark in the NBA over that stretch.
I tend to target OG Anunoby defensive props more than other Knicks' players in these spots. He’s always a candidate to go off in the steals department.
You are telling me he’s listed at plus-money to nab two steals against a team with a high turnover rate that’s been tanking for two months? Sure, I’ll take my chances, even though he’s only done it in seven of his last 15 games — hence, why we are getting plus-money.
Pick: OG Anunoby Over 1.5 Steals (+126)
