The Knicks (5-5) will look to extend their winning streak to two games when they host the Bulls on Wednesday night.
While this matchup certainly looks winnable on paper, it also marks the first time this season that the Knickerbockers will play three consecutive games in four days.
So if you want to root for the Knicks, there are probably better spots available.
This preview will focus on how unique scheduling allows Knicks bench players to outperform prop projections.
Knicks vs. Bulls odds
(7:30 p.m. ET, MSG)
| team | spread | money line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| bull | +8 (-110) | +270 | 231 or higher (-110) |
| knicks | -8 (-110) | -345 | Less than 231 (-110) |
Bulls vs. Knicks predictions
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Bulls added another talented playmaker to their roster with the addition of Josh Guidy via trade in the offseason.
Despite being listed as a shooting guard, Guidi's seven assists per game are more than starting point guard Coby White (5.1 assists).
As a result, Chicago has done a better job of sharing the ball and creating scoring opportunities, improving from 25 assists per game last season (23rd) to 8th with an average of 28.1 assists this season. are.
The Bulls' extra passing ability paid dividends beyond the arc, as they ranked sixth in 3-point field goals (15.4) and 10th in 3-point shooting (37%).
Considering these numbers, one might expect Chicago to be in the top half of the league in offensive efficiency.
However, the Bulls average 105.05 possessions per game, ranking 25th in this category despite leading the league in pace.
The problem with Chicago is that they can be very careless in possession, ranking 22nd in turnovers at 16.5 per game.
The Knicks might just be the perfect opponent for Chicago, considering they rank last in turnovers forced (12.2).
New York Knicks betting preview
There are still questions about the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns looked like a player who benefited defensively from playing in the Timberwolves' scheme alongside elite frontcourt disruptors like Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels.
Since Towns joined the Knicks, his defensive efficiency has dropped from 112.4 (9th) to 113.8 (19th).
The Knickerbockers' offensive efficiency increased from 117.3 (seventh) to 118.6 (fourth), but their net rating of +4.9 remained the same.
At some point, Knicks fans may wonder if just playing .500 basketball is worth it.
I'll be the first to admit that the NBA is very much a copycat league, but it would be refreshing if teams showed more courage and adopted a style of play that better suits their ethos.
With front offices around the league working hard to build rosters to replicate the Celtics' 3-point shooting prowess, success would be possible if the Knicks could return to the solid defense that has been their staple. I still think there is still a way to go. A long-standing franchise.
Bulls vs. Knicks picks
The Knicks are double-digit favorites to win in my power rating, but this streak is reason enough to give me pause.
Therefore, I prefer to try my luck on the prop market by targeting Knicks players who could play a bigger role against Chicago.
Knicks backup point guard Myles McBride scored 15 points on 50% shooting, three rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes against the 76ers on Tuesday.
His points + rebounds prop is listed at 12.5 and rebounds + assists at 4.5.
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McBride has exceeded his expected points and rebounds in 11 of his past 14 games, averaging 15.3 points and median 17.5 points.
He has also exceeded 4.5 rebounds + assists in four of his last five games against teams that rank in the bottom 10 defensively.
Interestingly, two out of three times after playing 26 minutes or less, McBride received more playing time in the next game.
Given the Bulls' tendency to develop quickly and play at a breakneck pace, it wouldn't be a surprise if that trend continues and McBride is given an even better chance to exploit both props.
Best bet:
- Miles McBride, 12.5 points + rebounds or more (-137, Caesars)
- Miles McBride, 12.5+ points + rebounds (-105, BetMGM)
Why trust New York Post Betting?
Michael Arinze handicaps most major sports for the New York Post. During his betting career, he has won two 15-leg teasers and a 12-leg parlay, including eight games in the Little League World Series. Most recently, they accurately selected the finalists for the 2024 European Championship and Copa America.
