NBA Picks, Best Bets, Odds

The Knicks (5-5) will try to extend their winning streak to two games when they host the Bulls on Wednesday night.

While this game certainly looks winnable on paper, it will also be the first time this season that the Knickerbockers will play back-to-back nights and three times in four days.

Thus, there are probably better seats available if you want to back the Knicks.

In this preview, we’ll highlight how the unique scheduling slot could cause one of the Knicks’ bench players to exceed his cap projections.

Knicks vs. Bulls odds

(7:30 p.m. ET, MSG)

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Taurus	+8 (-110)	+270	Over 231 (-110)
Knicks	-8 (-110)	-345	Under 231 (-110)

Bulls vs. Knicks prediction

Chicago Bulls betting preview

The addition of Josh Giddey via trade in the offseason gives the Bulls another capable playmaker on their roster.

Despite being listed as a shooting guard, Giddey’s seven assists per game are even more than starting point guard Coby White’s (5.1).

As a result, Chicago is doing a much better job of sharing the ball and creating scoring chances while improving from 25 assists per game. match (ranked 23rd) last season up to eighth this campaign, averaging 28.1.

The Bulls’ ability to make the extra pass has benefited them beyond the arc, ranking sixth in 3-point field goals (15.4) and 10th in 3-point shooting (37%).

Given these numbers, one would expect Chicago to be in the top half of the league in offensive efficiency.

However, the Bulls rank 25th in that category, even while leading the league in pace with an average of 105.05 possessions.

Chicago’s problem is that it can be extremely careless in possession, ranking 22nd in turnovers at 16.5 per possession. match.

The Knicks might just be the perfect opponent for Chicago, considering they’re dead last in forcing turnovers (12.2).

New York Knicks betting preview

I still have doubts about the decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns.

Towns looked like a player who benefited defensively playing in the Timberwolves’ scheme alongside elite disruptors like Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels.

Since Towns joined the Knicks, their defensive efficiency dropped from 112.4 (ninth) to 113.8 (19th).

Although the Knickerbockers have gone from an offensive efficiency of 117.3 (seventh) to 118.6 (fourth), their +4.9 net rating remains unchanged.

At one point, Knicks fans might wonder if just playing .500 basketball was worth it.

While I would be the first to fully acknowledge that the NBA is very much a copycat league, it would be refreshing if teams showed more bravery and adopted styles of play that better fit their ethos.

With front offices around the league hell-bent on building their rosters to replicate the Celtics’ 3-point prowess, I still believe there is a path to success for the Knicks if they can return to the gritty defense, that has been an important part of the franchise for so many years.

Bulls vs. The Knicks pick

My power ratings have the Knicks as a double-digit favorite, but the back-to-back berth is reason enough to give me pause.

That’s why I prefer to try my luck in the prop market by targeting a Knicks player who could get an increased role against Chicago.

Knicks backup point guard Miles McBride scored 15 points on 50% shooting while grabbing three rebounds and dishing out two assists in 26 minutes of action Tuesday against the 76ers.

His points + rebounds cap is available at 12.5, while his rebounds + assists are listed at 4.5.

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Bet on the NBA?

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McBride has exceeded his points + rebounds projection in 11 of his last 14 games, averaging 15.3 and a median of 17.5.

He’s also exceeded 4.5 rebounds + assists in four of his last five games when facing teams ranked in the bottom 10 defensively.

Interestingly, McBride has logged more playing time in his next game two of three times after playing 26 minutes or less.

Given the quick turnaround and breakneck pace the Bulls tend to play, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see that trend continue, giving McBride an even better chance to go over both props.

Best offer:

• Miles McBride over 12.5 points + rebounds (-137, Caesars)
• Miles McBride over 12.5 points + rebounds (-105, BetMGM)

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Why Trust New York Post Bets

Michael Arinze handicaps most major sports for the New York Post. He has cashed in two 15-game teasers in his betting career as well as a 12-game parlay that included eight Little League World Series games. Recently, he precisely selected finalists for the European Championship in 2024 and the Copa America.