Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks Preview – 3 April 2026

3rd April 2026

Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks betting preview

The New York Knicks host the Chicago Bulls tonight and are firm favourites at 1.12 on the moneyline, with a -15.5 spread. The win% data supports NYK (60% vs CHI’s 20%) but this spread is a lot to lay. Chicago are no pushovers and the H2H this season is tighter than the odds suggest.

Injury Watch

New York are missing Miles McBride and Landry Shamet. Chicago have Jalen Smith, Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons all unavailable. Simons (acquired at the deadline presumably) being out is notable for Chicago’s backcourt depth.

Pace Mismatch

Chicago run faster (pace 107.8) than New York (96.2) – Bulls faster by 11.6. That’s a significant differential. If Chicago can push the tempo, they can stretch a Knicks defense that concedes at 99.3. Chicago’s defensive rating is worse at 117.2, which is why they’re the underdog here.

Shooting: NYK shoot 44.8% FG vs CHI’s 49% – Bulls are the better shooting team this season but New York have the better defense. CHI’s offensive rating of 109.7 vs NYK’s 103.2 is interesting – Chicago generate offense but can’t stop anyone.

Season Series

New York lead 2-1 in the season series but Chicago won the most recent meeting (105-99 on Feb 22) with Karl-Anthony Towns dropping 28. The series has been competitive throughout. The early Oct 31 clash saw Chicago win 135-125 with Josh Giddey going for 32.

Key Prop Streaks

Josh Giddey is the standout – on a 6-game over for assists (line 9.5, averaging 11.2) at 1.97 Caesars. Giddey averaging 11.2 dimes over his last 5 makes that line look soft. Tre Jones (CHI) is on a 7-game over for points (line 13.5, avg 18.6) at 1.83 – he’s been in excellent form. Josh Hart (NYK) has been reliable under on rebounds + assists (line 12.5, avg 10) – 7-game streak at 1.87. Mikal Bridges meanwhile is on a 6-game under for rebounds (line 3.5, avg 1.6) at 1.81.

Total is set at 237.5 – highest of the evening. With Chicago’s fast pace and both teams capable of scoring, the over could be interesting.

Check all streaks and lines: CHI vs NYK on Statz.