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NBA Underdog Pick of the Day (Knicks Over Bulls Is Best Upset Pick)

By Peter Dewey

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso.
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso. / Jonathan Daniel/GettyImages
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Are we sure the Chicago Bulls can contend in the Eastern Conference? 

The Bulls have taken a major step back since the All-Star break and have fallen all the way to the No. 5 spot in the conference with just a one-game lead on the No. 6 seeded Toronto Raptors. 

Tonight, the Bulls will go on the road to play the New York Knicks, who have one three straight, and I think we have an upset brewing in Madison Square Garden. 

Before I break down why, let’s check out the latest odds via WynnBET Sportsbook: 

Bulls vs. Knicks Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Bulls -3.5 (-110)
  • Knicks +3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Bulls: -175
  • Knicks: +140

Total:

  • 220 (Over -110/Under -110)

Why Knicks Can Upset Bulls on Monday

So why should you consider New York to pull off the upset? 

These two teams have been on a completely different trajectory over the last 10 games even though New York is still on the outside looking in off the play-in tournament. 

The Knicks are 15th in offensive rating and second in defensive rating over that stretch, while the Bulls are 27th and 19th in those respective categories. 

The Bulls have also struggled on the road this season, going just 17-21 while posting a 26-10 record at home. The Knicks are on a back-to-back, which is concerning, but when we look at the against the spread numbers, the Knicks are the best team in the NBA in that spot this season, going 7-3.

Sure the Knicks have shown this season that they can get up big and blow leads, but are we really going to trust a Bulls team that is bottom-four in the NBA over the last 10 games in net rating? 

I’m not. 

The Bulls are finally regressing, while the Knicks are getting some of their best play of the season from guys like Immanuel Quickley and Rj Barrett. Tom Thibodeau’s team has thrived as of late when playing younger lineups, and if that continues tonight I think the Knicks can grab a much-needed win at MSG. 

Lean: Knicks Moneyline (+140)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

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