In the second of a back-to-back, the Knicks hope to slow down the Bulls and start a 4-game homestand on a positive note.
Last night, the New York Knicks (5-5) opened NBA Cup play with a strong showing against the Sixers, winning 111-99 in Philadelphia and spoiling Joel Embiid’s season debut in an almost wire-to-wire victory. Balanced scoring—including six players in double figures—solid ball movement, and consistent defensive intensity showcased a team-oriented approach (31 assists on 44 field goals) that was too much for Paul George and the Sixers to handle. We’ll see if they can carry that momentum over as they face the Chicago Bulls (4-7) less than 24 hours later.
Tonight’s game against the Bulls kicks off a four-game homestand at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks. The Bulls most recently lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers (who hasn’t?), marking their fifth defeat in six games. Their main guy continues to be Zach LaVine, who survived the trade season to deliver a solid 23/5/3 stat line for Chicago. LaVine shoots well from deep, connecting on 3.1 three-pointers per game on 7.5 attempts (42%), and he has scored 20-plus points in nine of his last ten games against the Knicks. He’s dealing with an adductor issue, but should top 20 again if he plays.
Other starters include center Nikola Vučević, who is averaging a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double while shooting 47% from beyond the arc. In his first season as a Bull, guard Josh Giddey is scoring 14 points and dishing out seven assists per game. His backcourt partner, Coby White, adds nearly 20 points and five assists per game. Forward Patrick Williams contributes nine points and five rebounds per night, while off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu is averaging 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists in just under 30 minutes per game.
Bulls injuries: Lonzo Ball (Out, Wrist), Zach LaVine (Probable, Adductor), Adama Sanogo (Questionable, Knee), and Jalen Smith (Questionable, Illness).
This game will test New York’s depth and stamina, as the Bulls play at a fast pace (second in the league). Chicago is also a top-ten three-point shooting team, which will challenge New York’s perimeter defense—especially when stretch-big Vučević is guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns. Chicago’s D, however, is Charmin-soft, allowing an average of 120.2 points per game. The combination of pace, three-point efficiency, fatigue, and inconsistent perimeter defense should make for a high-scoring affair tonight.
Given that New York played last night and faces a speedy opponent, they’ll need fresh legs. Expect more minutes for Knicks bench players Miles McBride, Jericho Sims, and Cameron Payne. The newest Knick, Matt Ryan, might see some action as well, given his sharpshooting reputation. However, rookie Tyler Kolek may be squeezed out of the rotation with Payne returning from his hamstring injury. A shame, too—the rook can throw that rock.
Even if fatigue is a factor, the Knicks are the more talented team. With the home-court advantage, potent shooting, and inspired defense, they should rise victorious. Knicks by +4.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
TV: MSG Network, NBA League Pass
Follow: @ptknicksblog