Classic Eastern Conference Matchup | Knicks vs. Bulls | OSB
Knicks vs. Bulls:
By Sam Batz
Tomorrow night, NBA fans are in for a classic Eastern Conference matchup. The 14-13 New York Knicks will be taking on the 11-15 Chicago Bulls, at the United Center in Chicago. The Knicks are coming off an impressive victory over Sacramento on Sunday when they beat the Kings 112-99. Chicago played the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, but fell short in a heartbreaking overtime loss. If you missed this one, I recommend going back to watch the highlights. The Bulls had a chance to put the Hawks away with 0.4 seconds left in regulation, but Derrick Jones Jr. missed the crucial free throw to secure the win, sending the game into overtime. In OT, with only 1.0 second left and down two points, Demar DeRozan was fouled shooting a three-pointer. DeRozan sank all three free throws to put the Bulls up 122-121. However, in an improbable finish with only 0.5 second left on the clock, Atlantas AJ Griffin caught the inbound pass near the rim, and with an acrobatic move, hit the buzzer beater clinching the victory for the Hawks. Final score 123-122. Chicago will try to bounce back against the Knicks, in what should be another thrilling matchup. The Bulls and the Knicks compare evenly against each other. The two teams are averaging 113.3 and 113.8 points per game respectively, and will have most of their key players available. The Bulls are the slight favorite with a -3.5 point spread but the Knicks are playing well and are looking to continue their current winning streak.
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Sunday’s loss was devastating for the Bulls but serves as a good example of how Chicago’s season has played out thus far. They have the talent and drive to beat any team in the league, but have faltered near the end of close games, failing to produce positive results in the clutch. Chicago has lost seven games by less than five points and have gone 0-2 in overtime. Demar DeRozan has been Chicgo’s main man, leading the team in scoring in 18 out of their 26 games. DeRozan is on pace to have one of the best seasons of his career, however rumors have been circulating that teams are interested in a trade for the five-time NBA All-Star. DeRozan has stayed quiet on the subject but media outlets have speculated that if the Bulls continue to struggle, DeRozan may be up for grabs in exchange for future first-round draft picks. Trade rumors have also surrounded the Bulls starting shooting guard, Zach LaVine. LaVine is a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist and has played well for Chicago this season, averaging 21.8 points per game and shooting 35.8% from the arch. However, LaVine has expressed frustration about his team’s struggles, suggesting he may be willing to relocate. Lavine signed a 5-year/$215 million max contract deal with the Bulls this offseason, so it’s fair to assume Chicago are invested in keeping Lavine, but if the floundering Bulls can’t find a way to starter winning games, it may be time to cut ties with their star players and lean into the rebuilding process. There are many questions surrounding Chicago going into their matchup with the Knicks on Wednesday. They are on the outside looking in on the playoffs, while teetering on the edge of a complete overhaul. They will have to put these distractions behind them as they prepare for back-to-back meetings with the New York Knicks. .
The Knicks have won their last four games and will look to extend that run to five consecutive wins on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. New York is 14-13 and currently the sixth seed in the East. They are led by big man Julius Randle and young shooting guard RJ Barrett. In their last game, Randle and Barrett combined for 54 points, with point guard Jaylen Brunson mixing in for a cool 18. The Knicks have improved on the defensive end this year, holding their opponents under 100 points in three out of their last four games. Knicks head coach, and 2021’s Coach of the Year, Tom Thibodeau has his team playing well. Thibodeau is a great coach and recognizes that good defense is the best path forward for this squad. The offense has struggled, shooting 45.3% from the field, which ranks 25th in the league. Additionally, the Knicks are shooting a league low 31.9% from the three-point mark. In today’s NBA, 31.9% from three won’t win you many games. But the Knicks are young and hungry to prove they deserve to be in the playoffs. They matchup well against the Bulls and if they can continue playing outstanding defense, they will beat Chicago and continue their winning streak. I predict the New York Knicks will beat the Chicago Bulls 102-98 on Wednesday.
