Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Opening Week

Chicago gives up points in bunches and New York rarely scores in bunches, which is an odd pairing for one of the biggest spreads on the board.

The Matchup

New York is 3-4, scores 106.4 points per game, and allows 105.1. The Knicks win with defense, rebounding, and Jalen Brunson closing games, and Karl-Anthony Towns gives them a scoring center who stretches the floor. Chicago is 1-6, scores 112.6, and allows 128.9, the worst defensive number in the league by a wide margin. Josh Giddey runs the Bulls' offense, Matas Buzelis is their most interesting young player, and the defense behind them has been a sieve.

Chicago's report makes the defensive problem worse. Nic Claxton is out for this game, listed with a November 4 return date but carrying an out designation, and he is the Bulls' rim protection. Jalen Smith is day-to-day. New York's only listing of note is Josh Hart, who is day-to-day with a November 4 return date. Keep an eye on whether Hart plays before placing a bet, though the Knicks' rotation is deep enough to absorb his absence for a night.

DraftKings makes New York a 12.5-point favorite at Madison Square Garden, with a total of 233.5. That total is the tell. It prices Chicago's defense, not New York's offense, as the engine of this game.

Key Factors

New York's offense is the question the spread has to answer. The Knicks score 106.4 points per game, play at a controlled pace, and are comfortable winning games in the low 100s. Covering 12.5 asks them to do something their season says they rarely do, which is run away from a team. Brunson can do it for a quarter. Doing it for four quarters is a different habit.

Chicago's offense is why the points are live. The Bulls score 112.6 a night despite their record, Giddey keeps them organized, and a team that scores at that rate can trade baskets long enough to keep a big number in reach, especially once the favorite's starters sit late.

The honest risk is the first half. Without Claxton, Towns and the Knicks' drivers can live at the rim, and Chicago has already watched several games get away before halftime this season. If New York builds a 20-point lead early, the Bulls' offense has to be nearly perfect to climb back inside the number.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.