Bet On the NBA – Free Tip December 18th

I was correct on my free NBA pick on Tuesday as OKC (-7) was victorious in Sacramento 104-92. Tonight I’m taking a look at the New York Knicks-Chicago Bulls match-up.

New York Knicks (5-22) @ Chicago Bulls (15-9)

The New York Knicks have dropped 2 in a row and 12 of their last 13 games. On Tuesday they were downed at home 107-87 versus Dallas. They have failed to score 100 points in 12 of their last 15 games. They have allowed their opponents to score 100 or more points in 6 of their last 7 games. 14 of their 22 losses this season have been by a margin of less than 10 points. They are 2-11 on the road this season. Last Friday at Boston they ended their 11 game losing streak on the road with a 101-95 victory. They are 1-4 versus Central division opponents. They are 29th in the league in points per game with 93.6, 29th in the league in rebounds per game with 39 per game, 16th in the league in assists per game with 21.1 per game, and 15th in the league in points allowed with 99.6. Carmelo Anthony is leading the team in scoring with 23.4 points per game. Including tonight they play 5 of their next 7 games on the road. Their next game is Saturday at home versus Phoenix. The Chicago Bulls had their 3 game winning streak snapped with a 93-86 defeat at Atlanta on Monday. They failed to score more than 22 points in all 4 quarters versus the Hawks. They have failed to score 100 or more points their last 2 games after scoring 100 or more in 8 straight games. They have held their opponents to under 100 points in 3 of their last 4 games. 6 of their 9 losses this season have been by a margin of less than 10 points. They are 4-5 at home this season. They have won their last 2 home games. Their last home win was last Friday 115-106 versus the Blazers. They are 6-1 versus Atlantic division opponents. The team is 14th in the league in points per game with 102.1, 7th in the league in rebounds per game with 45.3 per game, 11th in the league in assists per game with 22.3 per game, and 12th in the league in points allowed with 98.5. Jimmy Butler leads the team in scoring with 20.9 points per game. Including tonight they play 9 of their next 12 games at home. Tonight is the 1st game of a back to back. Tomorrow night they play at Memphis. They are 4-3 in the 1st game of a back to back this season.

In their first meeting this season Chicago scored a 104-80 win at New York. After tonight the 2 teams play one more time this season, March 28 at Chicago. The Bulls have won their last 6 home games versus the Knicks.

Knicks vs Bulls Prediction

The Bulls most likely will get Joakim Noah back tonight. This Bulls’ team on offense is unlike any in the Thibs (Bulls coach) era as they can consistently score. The Knicks continue to struggle and at 5-22 they own the 2nd worst record in the NBA. If the Bulls’ offense gets rolling the Knicks won’t stand much of a chance. It’s a large line but I look for the Bulls to finally break out during a home game.

Take the Bulls -13