The New York Knicks (25-45) meet the Chicago Bulls (24-45) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 19, 2018, and will air on WGN Channel 9.
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks ATS Prediction
The Bulls are hoping for a better outcome after their 114-109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last outing. Cleveland’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Chicago. The Cavaliers had a rate of 0.149 (below their season average of 0.213), while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.121 (below their season average of 0.167). Denzel Valentine was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 13-for-20 shooting.
In the Knicks’ last matchup, they dismantled the Charlotte Hornets, 124-101. The Knicks held the Hornets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.417 (below their season average of 0.505) and had a turnover percentage of 6.9 (better than their season average of 13.2). Tim Hardaway Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NBA’s top rebounding teams battle. The Knicks are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking fifth in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.4 percent. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks second in the league at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 80.7 percent. Additionally, the Bulls rank fifth in turnover percentage (12.9 percent), while the Knicks rank 23rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (13.2 percent).
Chicago heads into the contest with records of 24-45 straight up (SU) and 36-30-3 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Bulls’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, New York owns records of 25-45 SU and 32-38 ATS. Coinciding with Chicago, games including the Knicks have gone over the O/U total 51.4 percent of the time.
The Bulls have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the Knicks this year, escaping with a close three-point victory in their last matchup. Chicago covered as a 5-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 241 points, which was 33 points above the projected point total of 208 points. One of Chicago’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Knicks were just 13-21 (61.9 percent). Lauri Markkanen recorded a double-double with 33 points and 10 rebounds.
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Chicago is 17-16-1 ATS on the road with 21 overs and 13 unders.
New York is 18-16 ATS at home with 17 overs and 17 unders.
Chicago is 6-6 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while New York is 11-3.
When reaching 100 points, the Bulls are 22-22 and the Knicks are 24-24.
New York ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.3) while Chicago ranks 29th (3.6).
The Bulls rank seventh in three pointers attempted per game (30.8) while the Knicks rank 29th (22.4).
Chicago ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while New York ranks 23rd (8.2).
The Knicks rank seventh in points in the paint per game (46.8) while the Bulls rank 26th (41.6).
New York averages 44.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 11th in the league. Chicago ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.6).
The Bulls rank 14th in fast break points per game (11.8) while the Knicks rank 29th (8.1).
New York ranks 13th in assists per game (22.9) while Chicago ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (25.4).
The Bulls rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Knicks rank 19th (12.9).
New York ranks 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.6) while Chicago ranks 26th (14.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Chicago is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
New York is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 5.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 109.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.2 points per game (8.5 above their season average).
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