Update: Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Mac McClung, and Lachlan Olbrich upgraded to AVAILABLE for Chicago.
Big city squads wrap their regular-season series under the Friday night lights of Midtown Manhattan, as the New York Knicks host the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden.
The Bulls (29–47, 12th East) are officially out of playoff contention for the first time since 2021. They head into the Big Apple having lost nine of their last 11 games, including five straight. Meanwhile, the Knicks (49–28, 3rd East) have clinched a postseason berth. They recently snapped a three-game slide and will return to MSG having won eight of their last 11 contests.
New York holds a 2–1 edge in the four-game season set, capped by a 105–99 victory in Chicago in late February.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Chicago Bulls
- OUT: Anfernee Simons (Wrist), Jalen Smith (Calf), Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder), Nick Richards (Elbow)
- PROBABLE: Josh Giddey (Hamstring), Tre Jones (Ankle), Mac McClung (Abdominal), Lachlan Olbrich (Heel), Guerschon Yabusele (Ankle)
New York Knicks
- QUESTIONABLE: Karl-Anthony Towns (Elbow)
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. New York enters as a 14.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Chicago sits as a +675 underdog. The game’s total is set at 237.5 points.
Bulls vs. Knicks Preview
Chicago Bulls Preview
Last week’s 18-point loss to the defending champion Thunder sealed Chicago’s inevitable fate: missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The Bulls have won just five games since the beginning of February — tied for the fewest in the NBA — and trudge into Friday’s contest mired in another brutal losing streak.
Despite shaking things up at the trade deadline, Chicago has been unable to halt its downward tailspin. Sure, dynamic guard Josh Giddey averaged roughly 16 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds in March. And burgeoning forward Matas Buzelis has continued making strides in his sophomore season. But on this current roster, the promising duo looks like a crystal chandelier and bone china at a dive bar.
New York Knicks Preview
New York’s 130–119 over the Grizzlies on Wednesday salvaged a dreadful four-game road trip. While the Knicks have won eight of their last 11 contests, they dropped the first three contests of their road swing and allowed the Cavaliers to inch within a game of the East’s third seed. With four of their last five games at home, securing a favorable playoff seed means defending The Garden. And with upcoming matchups against Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, and Charlotte, it’s paramount that the Knicks take care of the lowly Bulls.
It may be easier said than done, as star big man Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Friday’s contest with an elbow issue. New York is just 3–2 without Towns this season, though it has consistently handled lesser competition. But a returning Jalen Brunson — along with a fully capable supporting cast featuring OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — should maintain enough firepower to vault over one of the East’s weaker squads.
Bulls vs. Knicks Pick, Best Bet
The Knicks are a substantially better team than the rebuilding Bulls, and they should handle business on their home floor in a must-win scenario. Still, it seems unlikely they cover the lofty 13.5-point spread with Karl-Anthony Towns’ potential absence looming. Even with Towns active for their first three meetings this season, New York won by no more than 12 points. Expect a somewhat competitive affair Friday night at MSG.
