Advertisement
NBA Betting

Bulls vs. Knicks best bets: NBA odds & ATS pick for Wednesday, Jan. 3

By Joe Dellera
Action Network
•
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New York. The Knicks won 112-106.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New York. The Knicks won 112-106. (Adam Hunger/AP)

The Chicago Bulls are facing a quick turnaround as they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks Wednesday night. After a 110-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Chicago’s injury report is extensive. Let’s dig into why I’m fading the road underdogs tonight.

Bulls vs. Knicks odds

Odds via FanDuel

  • Spread: Bulls +9 (-110) vs. Knicks -9 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Bulls +340 vs. Knicks -430
  • Total: Over 220.5 (-108) | Under 220.5 (-112)

Struggling with a 15-20 record, the Bulls possess the 23rd-ranked Adjusted Net Rating per dunks and threes. Their offensive woes continue, with a 27th-ranked Offensive Rating over the last two weeks, as reported by Cleaning the Glass.

Surprisingly, the Bulls defense has excelled, boasting the league’s best Defensive Rating of 109.8 in the same period. However, this defensive success might be unsustainable, given the significant gap between the Expected eFG% Allowed (56%) and the Actual Allowed eFG% (52.6%), per Cleaning the Glass.

When it comes to the Bulls’ injury report, Nikola Vucevic (groin) is unavailable, while Zach LaVine (foot) is on the verge of a return later this week. Coby White (ankle) and Patrick Williams (ankle) left Tuesday night’s game with injuries, making their status uncertain. If their ankle issues persist, they might sit out or be less effective on Wednesday.

Facing the Knicks, who are integrating OG Anunoby into their rotation, and considering the Bulls’ recent loss to the 76ers and potential injuries, the matchup favors New York. The Knicks are 18-15 and one of the more consistent teams in the league this season, boasting a +2.6 Adjusted Net Rating.

The Knicks have a strong track record against teams in the bottom 10 of Point Differential, boasting a 9-1 record with a +16.4 Point Differential and covering the spread by an average of 7.3 points, according to Cleaning the Glass. Despite the larger spread, the Knicks — with a 10-6 ATS record as favorites this season — should handle the Bulls at home.