Resurgent New York Knicks Return Home Ready to Feast on a Struggling Chicago Bulls Squad

Kimberly McClary
Jalen Brunson Celebrating A Shot During A Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks game

The New York Knicks are back in Madison Square Garden tonight, April 3, 2026, to take on the Chicago Bulls. Finally getting a win the other night against the Memphis Grizzlies after going on a three-game road trip losing streak, the Knicks will look to keep the ball rolling. Positioned 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have struggled recently, holding a 2-8 record in their last 10 games. This is the fourth and final regular-season meeting between these two teams, which the Knicks lead 2-1.

Game Details

Date:  Friday  April 3, 2026

Time:  7:30PM EDT

Location:  Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY

TV/Streaming:  MSG Network NBA TV/NBA League Pass, Sling TV and Fubo

Odds: Spread: New York Knicks -15.5, Chicago Bulls +15.5; Moneyline: Knicks -1299 to -1600, Bulls +900, Total (O/U):  237.5

Team Form & Recent Results

New York Knicks Form (49-28)

  • They have won two of their last five games, after a brief three-game losing streak, they won their most recent matchup against the Grizzlies on April 1, 2026, 130-119.
  • In their last five games, they have shown high-octane offensive potential alongside concerning defensive lapses and inconsistent execution against top-tier teams.
  • Strengths: elite offensive firepower, star production and distribution, rebounding dominance
  • Weaknesses: perimeter defense, slow starts, inconsistency against contenders, injury depth 
  • Injuries: No players listed

Chicago Bulls Form (29-47)

  • They are currently on a five-game losing streak, falling in their last matchup to the Indiana Pacers on April 1, 2026, 145-126.
  • In their last five games, while their offense has remained high-scoring due to fast pace, they are currently being outscored by an average of nearly nine points per game.
  • Strengths: high-octane pace, elite individual playmaking, young talent development, interior presence
  • Weaknesses: poor defense, perimeter vulnerability, ball security, lack of size/rim protection
  • Injuries: Jalen Smith-Out for the season (calf); Zach Collins-Out for the season (sprained right toe); Noa Essengue-Out for the season (left shoulder surgery); Anferenee Simons-Out (left wrist fracture); Josh Giddey-Questionable (left hamstring tightness); Tre Jones-Questionable (right ankle sprain); Nick Richards-Questionable (right elbow sprain)

Key Players to Watch

New York Knicks

Point Guard Jalen Brunson leads the team with 26.1 points and 6.7 assists per game. After sitting out the last game due to ankle soreness, he is available tonight and historically thrives as the playmaker. As a walking double-double, Karl-Anthony Towns is currently second in the NBA in rebounding with 11.9 per game, and is coming off a dominant triple-double performance in his last outing against the Grizzlies. 

Forward OG Anunoby is the primary two-way threat, leading the New York Knicks in their most recent victory with 25 points and 13 rebounds. He also currently averages 1.6 steals per game. Guard Mikal Bridges provides elite scoring versatility, coming off a 24-point game in the win against the Grizzlies. Center Mitchell Robinson remains a defensive anchor in the paint, averaging 1.14 blocks per game this season. 

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Jalen Brunson (PG)
  2. Josh Hart (SG)
  3. Mikal Bridges (SF)
  4. OG Anunoby (PF)
  5. Karl-Anthony Towns (C)

Chicago Bulls

Guard Josh Giddey is the primary engine of the Bulls’ offense, leading the team in rebounding at 8.4 RPG, averaging 9.2 APG, while scoring 17.2 PPG. He is currently listed as questionable with hamstring tightness, but remains the most critical player to track for the Bulls’ offensive flow. Rookie Forward Matas Buzelis has been a bright spot for the team, averaging 16.4 points 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He had a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double recently against the Grizzlies. 

Guard Collin Sexton is tied with Giddey as the Bulls’ leading scorer at 17.2 points per game. He provides the scoring punch needed with Simons sidelined, and has averaged 1.8 made three-pointers over the last 10 games.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Josh Giddey (PG)
  2. Collin Sexton (SG)
  3. Matas Buzelis (SF)
  4. Leonard Miller(PF)
  5. Guershcon Yabusele (C)

A High Paced Offense vs a Half-Court Game

The Bulls’ defensive rating of 117.6 is one of the worst in the NBA, reflecting a season-long struggle to contain high-efficiency offenses. If the Knicks can force this matchup into a half-court game, the Bulls will struggle to find consistent scoring. The Bulls only path to an upset is forcing the Knicks to turn the ball over and then winning the fast-break battle. 

Knicks Offense vs Bulls Defense

The Knicks rank 4th in the NBA in three-point percentage. They have shown they can capitalize on open looks, recently shooting 58% from beyond the arc. They excel at extending possessions, averaging 16.3 second chance points per game, which is not a good look for the Bulls who allow the highest second-chance points on the road in the league. With key big men like Smith and Collins out for the season, they lack a true shot-blocking presence. 

Head coach Billy Donovan’s Bulls play at a high pace, but their defense often fails to get set, which leads to easy fast-break opportunities for opponents.

Bulls Offense vs Knicks Defense

The Bulls live and die by their pace, ranking second in the NBA in transition points, so they will be looking to score before the Knicks’ defense can set up. Buzelis has become a primary scoring option lately, averaging over 16 points in his last five games. His length allows him to finish over smaller defenders, though he faces a tough test against a top defender in Anunoby tonight. 

Head coach Mike Brown’s Knicks lead the league in defensive rebound percentage. By limiting the Bulls to one-and-done possessions, they should be able to prevent them from finding the rhythm they will need to sustain their high-scoring bursts. 

Prediction

Predicted Winner: Knicks

Projected Score: Knicks 124, Bulls 109

Win Probability: Major models, including ESPN, give the Knicks an 82% to 93.7% chance of winning

Over/Under: 237.5 to 238.5 points

What to Expect in Tonight’s Matchup?

Tonight’s matchup at Madison Square Garden features two teams that are heading in opposite directions. The Knicks are hunting for their 50th win to solidify a top three seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls are essentially playing for pride amidst a five-game losing streak. Expect the Knicks to dominate the boards, and expect the Bulls to push the pace and get out in transition as much as possible.