The New York Knicks (19-21) clash with the Chicago Bulls (14-27) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks Free Prediction
The Bulls are trying to rebound after their 116-107 loss to the Houston Rockets in their last outing. Houston’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Rockets had 11 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Bulls had three and 37, respectively. Chicago’s Kris Dunn played well, contributing 19 points and eight assists.
In the Knicks’ last game, they beat the Dallas Mavericks, 100-96. The Knicks held the Mavericks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.5 (below the 23.0 mark opponents have averaged against New York this season) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.413 (below their season average of 0.523). Kristaps Porzingis was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 9-for-25 shooting.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Knicks rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 percent), while Chicago ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (81.0 percent). The Bulls should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 5th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.1 percent), while the Knicks force the ninth-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.5 percent).
Chicago comes into the contest with records of 14-27 straight up (SU) and 22-16-3 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Bulls tend to finish over the total (56.1 percent).
Meanwhile, New York is 19-21 SU and 22-18 ATS. Unlike Chicago, games featuring the Knicks have gone under the total 52.5 percent of the time.
The Bulls have won both contests against the Knicks this season, including a five-point victory in their last matchup. Chicago covered as a 2-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 179 points, which was 29 points below the projected point total of 208 points. Chicago did a great job of making free throws (12-16; 75.0 percent). New York, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (13.2 vs. 8.3). Despite the loss, Porzingis was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points.
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Chicago is 12-8-1 ATS with 14 overs and 7 unders.
New York is 15-7 ATS at home with 12 unders and 10 overs.
When allowing below 100 points, Chicago is 5-5 and New York is 9-1.
The Bulls are 12-11 when they reach 100 points, while the Knicks are 18-10.
New York ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while Chicago ranks 27th (45.5).
The Knicks rank third in second chance points per game (14.4) while the Bulls rank 24th (10.6).
Chicago ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (29.9) while New York ranks last (21.2).
The Knicks rank ninth in points in the paint per game (46.8) while the Bulls rank 27th (40.4).
New York ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.0) while Chicago ranks 28th (3.7).
The Knicks rank 15th in assists allowed per game (22.6) while the Bulls rank 27th (24.7).
Chicago ranks 16th in fast break points per game (10.0) while New York ranks 27th (6.6).
The Bulls rank 16th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5) while the Knicks rank 25th (18.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
New York is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.6, up from 6.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.4 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
