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Knicks a Surprising 4-2 as Road Team ATS; Getting 5.5 Points in Chicago vs Bulls

Sam Cox

by Sam Cox in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 7, 2020 · 4:36 PM PDT

Mitchell Robinson in Brooklyn
After finishing second in the NBA in blocks during an impressive rookie campaign, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has emerged as the favorite to be the NBA's blocks leader in the upcoming season. “Photo by [Tdorante10] ([Wikipedia]) [CC License].”
  • Knicks boast 4-2 record ATS despite floundering on the court for most of the season
  • Bulls have lost three of their last four
  • Get the odds, our pick, and all the info you need to bet the game below

The New York Knicks have had a turbulent few days ahead of their clash with the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The Knicks have a 4-2 record against the spread on the road this season, and are +5.5 in the latest New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls odds.

New York own the worst record in the Eastern Conference at 2-8, but Chicago have had their own struggles so far this year at just 3-7.

Jim Boylen and David Fizdale are under pressure at this early stage of the 2019-20 NBA campaign, both teams had playoff ambitions just a few weeks ago, but those are fading quickly.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Over/Under
New York Knicks +5.5 (-105) +195 Over 214 (-103)
Chicago Bulls -5.5 (-115) -225 Under 214 (-117)

Odds taken Nov. 12.

Two Struggling Teams

Both teams were blown out in their last games. The Knicks were humiliated by the Cleveland Cavaliers; the Bulls let a first-quarter lead slip against the Houston Rockets thanks to a 36-18 third quarter in the Rockets’ favour. James Harden went for 42 points against a so-so Bulls defense and no Chicago player got past 13.

Neither of these teams have shown much offensively this year, Chicago ranking 26th in offensive rating and the Knicks rooted to 30th. It’s been hard to watch for both fan bases, and a good performance and victory is vitally important for Fizdale and Boylen.

The struggles of these teams offensively might suggest a low-scoring game, but there’s enough offensive talent on the floor to rack up points. Neither team excels defensively, with Chicago the better of the two, ranking 16th in defensive rating.

Battle of The Boards

The rebounding battle could prove to be key in the Windy City on Tuesday night. The Knicks are a threat especially on the offensive glass, pulling down 12.6 offensive boards per game, the best mark in the NBA. Chicago, in contrast, are 20th in total rebounds and were beaten comprehensively on the boards by the Rockets.

What the Knicks lack in shooting – 30th in field goal percentage – they make up for when it comes to rebounding the ball. Mitchell Robinson is a player to look out for on the offensive glass, while Julius Randle and Bobby Portis have been collecting rebounds at both ends.

Wendell Carter has impressed at times this season, but he will have his work cut out unless Lauri Markkanen can improve on his recent efforts (Markkanen has averaged five boards per game over his last five outings).

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Otto Porter has found some offensive rhythm of late, and he will be missed for the Bulls in this one. Like the Knicks, Chicago have been poor shooting from deep – Porter has hit 11 of his last 19 from beyond the arc.

The Bulls need their perimeter players to step up. They are shooting the seventh-most threes in the league, but their team three-point percentage is a measly 31.4%. Getting out in transition will be vital for Boylen’s team, too, as the Knicks are one of the slowest teams in the NBA at a pace of 98.9.

Competitive In Porter’s Absence

These two teams met earlier in the season at Madison Square Garden. The Bulls constructed a comfortable lead before a fourth quarter collapse saw the Knicks claim victory.

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Off-court issues loom over this game for the Knicks, which could have an impact on the team’s performance. The Bulls should have enough to claim victory, but Chicago have had a difficult start to the season and the offense will miss Porter. The Knicks look good value to cover the spread and are tempting at +195.

This should be a competitive game even if it’s not the highest standard.

Pick: Knicks +5.5 (-105)

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