The New York Knicks haven't looked like the defending champions through the opening weeks of the season, but this feels like an ideal buy-low opportunity. Despite their inconsistent start, the Knicks have quietly remained one of the league's better defensive teams -- allowing just 105.1 points per game entering tonight while continuing to lean on that end of the floor as their offense searches for consistency. Their scoring has been well below expectations, but that's also contributed to a strong under trend early in the season, with New York consistently playing at a slower pace and winning with defense rather than shootouts. The Knicks have won three of their last four games and appear to be settling in, making this a favorable spot against a struggling Chicago team.
Chicago's offense has been too inconsistent to trust, especially against quality defensive opponents. The Bulls are just 1-6 on the season and have scored 107 points or fewer in four of their seven games, including 99 against Boston and 107 against Philadelphia in their two most recent losses. While Caleb Wilson and Josh Giddey have shown flashes, Chicago continues to rely heavily on its young core - and that has resulted in long scoring droughts against disciplined defenses. New York has already proven it can slow the Bulls down when needed, and with the Knicks likely looking to establish control early at Madison Square Garden, this projects as another methodical game. If New York dictates the pace the way it has all season, Chicago will probably struggle to generate enough efficient offense to reach its team total.
Bulls vs Knicks prediction: Chicago team total under 110.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.
