The 4-0 Chicago Bulls have to rank alongside the early surprises this season, and they’ll look to stay hot tonight against the New York Knicks as the NBA Cup tips off.
It’s been a trickier start for New York, with Jalen Brunson & Co. dropping their last two contests. My Knicks vs. Bulls predictions don’t expect Chicago to be spooked here, with Nikola Vucevic standing out as a key man on the glass.
Read on for my free NBA picks ahead of this October 31 matchup.
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Knicks vs Bulls prediction
Knicks vs Bulls best bet: Nikola Vucevic Over 10.5 rebounds (-115)
There’s been a lot of mediocre basketball in the Windy City over the last few years, so there’s something refreshing about the Chicago Bulls’ strong start, and the potential of the Josh Giddey-Matas Buzelis duo seems to have rejuvenated Nikola Vucevic, too.
Vucevic was a sad sight at times last year, but he’s looked sharp through the first four games and I like the Over on his rebounds total tonight. The veteran is coming off 14 boards against the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, and he’s gone past this number in three of his four outings, with 14+ rebounds on each occasion.
Chicago is going to need an A+ effort in the paint here, with the New York Knicks listing Karl-Anthony Towns as probable, with optimism that Mitchell Robinson may also return for the visitors. If Robinson does play, that should keep Vucevic even closer to the rim to grab misses.
The Bulls have had a big rebounding edge in their last two contests, largely thanks to Vucevic, who also had 11+ boards in two of his three matchups against New York last season. It’s also worth noting that the Knicks are shooting just 41% from the field so far, the third-lowest mark in the league.
As long as Vucevic can stay out of foul trouble against a physical New York squad, there should be enough volume to nail this Over.
Knicks vs Bulls same-game parlay
The Bulls are 4-0 ATS this season, and they’ve covered the spread in five of the last six meetings between these teams. With the Knicks still finding a rhythm under Mike Brown, I’ll gladly take the points in this spot.
Mikal Bridges already feels like a bigger factor in this Knicks offense than he did last season, and he’s averaging 18 PPG through four contests. He’s knocked down 2+ 3-pointers in three straight games, and I see him getting more good looks here.
Knicks vs Bulls SGP
- Nikola Vucevic Over 10.5 rebounds
- Bulls +5.5
- Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Knicks can't keep up with Jones
Tre Jones has dished 8+ assists in three of his four outings this year and, with Giddey and Buzelis likely to see a lot of Bridges and OG Anunoby, he’ll have the green light to target New York’s weaker defenders.
Knicks vs Bulls SGP
- Nikola Vucevic Over 10.5 rebounds
- Bulls +5.5
- Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 3-pointers
- Tre Jones Over 6.5 assists
Knicks vs Bulls odds
- Spread: Knicks -5.5 | Bulls +5.5
- Moneyline: Knicks -210 | Bulls +175
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 | Under 234.5
Knicks vs Bulls betting trend to know
The Bulls are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Bulls.
How to watch Knicks vs Bulls
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, October 31, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, CHSN |
Knicks vs Bulls latest injuries
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