This isn't the start to the season the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls hoped for as the two 1-3 teams meet on Wednesday night at the United Center.
Both Eastern Conference squads carry early-season defensive concerns and inconsistent shooting into this midweek clash, making this bounce-back opportunity crucial for establishing rhythm before the calendar turns to November.
My Knicks vs. Bulls prediction and NBA picks expect the Knicks to string together back-to-back wins with a road cover on Oct. 28.
TOP PICK
Knicks vs Bulls prediction: Knicks -6.5 (52%)
The New York Knicks giving points up to 55% seems like the best way to navigate this game after a sluggish start to the season.
The Knicks won their first game after three straight losses to open their title defense. They’ll have a chance to double their win streak against a Chicago Bulls team that has also lost three of their first four.
New York’s first championship in 53 years may have sabotaged the start to their season, as they’ve opened with a TV-friendly string of playoff teams.
The Knicks first four foes were a combined 206-122, .628, last season. Now they get the Bulls, coming off 51 losses and a pair of 35+ point losses in their first four games—against teams that were a combined 150-177, .459, last season.
COVERS INTEL: Chicago is shooting .238 from three, dead last in the NBA and 24 points worse than the next-worst team. Overall shooting is 8 points behind the No. 29 team. The Bulls’ effective shooting percentage is also last, 10 points behind anyone else. They’re also allowing the most points in the league on defense.
Knicks vs Bulls combo
The Knicks are 27th in the NBA in pace so far this season and have been Under in all four games. The Bulls are playing at the league’s fastest pace. Something has to give.
Last season, the Knicks were also No. 27 in tempo, while the Bulls were second in the league, and the Knicks imposed their will in their two games in the second half of the season, going under in both with an average total of 218.
The Knicks have been slow starters this season, averaging 52.5 first-half points. The Bulls have also struggled to score before the half, averaging 55.3 in first halves.
Knicks vs Bulls combo
- Knicks -6.5
- Under 231.5
- First Half Under 120.5
Knicks vs Bulls player props
Knicks player prop: Mikal Bridges Over 1.5 made threes
Mikal Bridges’ season-opening shooting slump might be over. He missed his first 10 three-point attempts over the first three games, causing a frenzy of panic among Knicks observers, but he hit 4-of-8 from three last time out. He’s a streaky shooter.
Last season, he shot 50 points better from three (.393 to .343) in games following a multiple three-pointer outing and averaged two made threes a game after a hot night from outside, compared to 1.8 in other games.
Bulls player prop: Caleb Wilson Over 16.5 points
Caleb Wilson has averaged 21.5 points to start his NBA career and is quickly finding where he’s most effective. He’s averaged over 60% from two-point range in his last three games and shot a season-low five three-point attempts last game.
He’s also averaged seven trips to the free throw line in the last three games. The fourth overall pick in the draft is at his best when he’s scoring inside.
He should be able to get within five points of his average, even against the Knicks’ slower pace and solid defense.
- Top picks: 1-1, +1.0 units
- Combos: 0-2, -2.0 units
Knicks vs Bulls odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Knicks -6.5 (52%) | Bulls +6.5 (49%)
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 (52%) | Under 231.5 (50%)
- Moneyline: Knicks 72%| Bulls 29%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Knicks vs Bulls trend
The New York Knicks have covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 45 games (+17.15 Units / 33% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Knicks vs Bulls
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 |
| Tip off | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBA League Pass |
Knicks vs Bulls latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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