Check out our free Knicks vs Bulls pick and preview for this NBA game in Chicago. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Knicks vs Bulls NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
- Where: Chicago at United Center
- Date: Friday, December 16th
- Betting Odds CHI -2.5, NY +116 | CHI -141 O/U 228.5
So far, the Knicks have put together an overall record of 15-13, while going 14-13-1 vs the spread. New York will be going for their 6 straight win in today’s game as they have rattled off 5 straight wins.
The Knicks are coming off a 128-120 win over the Bulls. This away win came despite entering the game as the 3 point underdogs. In the game, New York was able to hold on to their first half lead, as they led the Bulls by 9 going into the second half. In the win, Julius Randle led the team in scoring with 31 points on a field goal percentage of 42.1%.
The Bulls come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 11-16. So far, the team has gone 13-14-0 against the spread. The Bulls head into today’s action in the midst of a 2 game losing streak. Their average scoring differential in these defeats is -4.5.
The Bulls are coming off a dissappointing 128-120 loss to the Knicks. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 3 points. Chicago was not able to make a comeback in this matchup, as they went into the half down by 9. Leading the team in scoring was DeMar DeRozan, as he contributed 32 points while hitting 44.4% of his shots.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I Similar to their season-long average, the Knicks averaged 107.75 points per game vs the Bulls. Just like the Knicks, the Bulls maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 108.75 points per game vs New York. Spanning across the last 5 head-to-head matchups, the Knicks and Bulls have been competitive, with an average margin of victory sitting at just 0 points per game. This has resulted in a 3-2 ATS record for New York. New York and Chicago averaged a combined 222 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
For the season, the New York offense is the 12th ranked unit in the NBA, at 114.3 points per contest. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Knicks are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 100.0 per contest. So far, the team’s deliberate style of play has not slowed down the offense, as they have been particularly effective inside the arc, ranking 11th in made 2-point field goals per game.
So far, the Knicks have played well defensively, as they are ranked 6th in the league at 106.6 points per contest.
Power-Foward Julius Randle currently leads the Knicks at 22.6 points per game. For the season, he is 44th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 17.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Randle is averaging 8.9 boards and 3.6 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 13th ranked defense at defending power-fowards. Jalen Brunson enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 28 games, he is averaging 20.4 and is 52nd in the league in player efficiency rating.
This season, the Chicago offense has had their problems scoring the ball as they are a below average unit at 113.6 points per game. In terms of pace, the Bulls are on the top units in the NBA, averaging 101.0 possessions per game. Although the Bulls offense does a good job generating possessions, their poor shooting numbers are a key reason for their poor scoring numbers. So far, the team has an effective field goal percentage of just 53.8%.
Against the Knicks, the Bulls will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 17th in points allowed.
Small-Forward DeMar DeRozan currently leads the Bulls at 26.2 points per game. For the season, he is 25th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 20.5% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, DeRozan is averaging 5.0 boards and 4.7 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 13th ranked defense at defending small-forwards. Zach LaVine enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 23 games, he is averaging 22.0 and is 120th in the league in player efficiency rating.
Knicks vs Bulls Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Bulls -2.5
- Free Total Prediction: Under 228.5
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