Knicks vs. Bulls prediction: NBA picks, best bets, odds

The Knicks (5-5) will try 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 will also be the first time this season that the Knickerbockers will play on back-to-back nights and three times in four days.

Thus, better spots are probably available if you want to back the Knicks.

In this preview, we’ll highlight how the unique scheduling spot could propel one of the Knicks’ bench players to outperform his prop projections.

Knicks vs. Bulls odds

(7:30 p.m. ET, MSG)

Bulls vs. Knicks prediction

Chicago Bulls betting preview

The addition of Josh Giddey via trade in the offseason gives the Bulls another capable playmaker on their roster.

Despite being listed as a shooting guard, Giddey’s seven assists per game is even more than that of starting point guard Coby White (5.1).

As a result, Chicago is doing a much better job of sharing the ball and creating scoring chances while improving from 25 assists per game (ranked 23rd) last season up to eighth in this campaign, with an average of 28.1.

The Bulls’ ability to make the extra pass has benefited them beyond the arc, ranking sixth in 3-point field goals (15.4) and 10th in 3-point shooting (37%).

Given those numbers, one might expect Chicago to be in the league’s top half of offensive efficiency.

However, the Bulls rank 25th in that category, even while leading the league in pace with an average of 105.05 possessions.

Chicago’s problem is that it can be extremely careless in possession, ranking 22nd in turnovers with 16.5 per game.

The Knicks might just be the perfect opponent for Chicago, considering they rank dead last in forcing turnovers (12.2). 

New York Knicks Betting Preview

I still have my doubts regarding the decision to trade for 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, their defensive efficiency dropped from 112.4 (ninth) to 113.8 (19th).

Although the Knickerbockers have gone from an offensive efficiency of 117.3 (seventh) to 118.6 (fourth), their +4.9 net rating remains unchanged.

At some point, Knicks fans might wonder if it was all worth it just to play .500 basketball.

While I’d be the first to fully acknowledge that the NBA is very much a copycat league, it would be refreshing if teams showed more bravery and adopted playing styles more suited to their ethos.

With front offices around the league hell-bent on building their rosters to replicate the Celtics’ 3-point prowess, I still think there’s a path to success for the Knicks if they can return to the hard-nosed defense that’s been such a staple of the franchise for so many years.

Bulls vs. Knicks pick

My power ratings have the Knicks as a double-digit favorite, but the back-to-back spot is enough reason to give me pause.

Thus, I prefer to try my luck in the props market by targeting a Knicks player who could have an increased role against Chicago.

Knicks backup point guard Miles McBride scored 15 points on 50% shooting while grabbing three rebounds and dishing two assists in 26 minutes of action Tuesday against the 76ers.

His points + rebounds prop is available at 12.5, while his rebounds + assists is listed at 4.5.

Betting on the NBA?

McBride has exceeded his points + rebounds projection in 11 of his last 14 games, with an average of 15.3 and a median of 17.5.

He’s also exceeded 4.5 rebounds + assists in four of his last five games when facing teams ranked in the bottom 10 defensively. 

Interestingly, McBride has logged more playing time in his next game two of three times after playing 26 or fewer minutes.

Given the quick turnaround and the breakneck pace that the Bulls tend to play, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see that trend continue, giving McBride an even better chance to go over both props.

Best bets:

• Miles McBride over 12.5 points + rebounds (-137, Caesars)
• Miles McBride over 12.5 points + rebounds (-105, BetMGM)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Arinze handicaps most major sports for the New York Post. He’s cashed two 15-leg teasers in his betting career as well as a 12-leg parlay that included eight Little League World Series games. More recently, he accurately picked finalists in the 2024 European Championships and Copa America.