New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions for Wednesday October 28 2026

New York hasn’t won a game yet, and the Knicks are running out of excuses. They’ve got plenty of talent, but they’ve been making games harder than they need to be. Chicago hasn’t exactly been setting the league on fire either. The Bulls just went to Boston and lost by 35. That’s a pretty ugly result. I don’t love either team right now, but I do think New York has the better players. At some point, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have to get this team going. Chicago looks like a decent place to start.

The Knicks visit United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, October 28, for an 8:00 PM ET matchup. New York plays Detroit on Tuesday, so the Knicks will be on the second half of a back-to-back. Chicago has had a day off since Monday’s loss in Boston. My picks are New York on the moneyline and Under 228.5 as a target total. Get into the action with our free NBA picks.

New York Knicks Need Somebody to Take Control

New York is 0-3 heading into Tuesday’s game against Detroit. The Knicks lost 106-100 to Philadelphia, 107-103 at Boston and 111-102 to Orlando. That’s three games they could have won with a little better execution. They haven’t been getting blown out. They’ve just been missing too many shots and failing to make the right plays late. The Detroit game could change the mood around this team, but regardless of that result, New York needs more from its offense.

The Knicks are averaging about 101.7 points per game and allowing 108. That’s not enough scoring for a team with this much talent. They’ve been struggling to get easy baskets, and the ball hasn’t been moving particularly well. Chicago has been giving up plenty of points, so this should be a better matchup for New York’s offense. The Knicks need to attack the paint, get to the foul line and stop settling for difficult jumpers late in the shot clock.

Brunson is averaging 22.7 points, but he hasn’t been able to carry the offense by himself. Towns is averaging 12 rebounds and shooting better than 62% from the field. That’s the matchup I’d want New York to attack. Chicago is missing some size inside, and Towns should be able to make the Bulls pay. Josh Hart is also averaging two steals, giving the Knicks some help defensively. Jose Alvarado is out with an ankle injury, but New York’s main scoring options remain available. I expect Brunson and Towns to have a better night than they’ve had lately.

Chicago Bulls Need to Forget About Boston

Chicago is 1-3, with a 0-1 home record. The Bulls beat Milwaukee 132-125 in their opener but have lost three straight since then. Washington beat them 124-120 on Saturday, and then Boston absolutely hammered them Monday, 134-99. That’s the kind of loss that gets everybody’s attention. Chicago wasn’t competitive for much of the night, and the defense never found a way to slow Boston down. Now the Bulls get a New York team that’s desperate for a win.

Chicago is averaging 118.8 points per game but allowing about 125.8. That’s the problem. The Bulls can score, but they’re giving opponents too many easy baskets. New York hasn’t been shooting well, but Chicago could be exactly the opponent the Knicks need to get their offense going. The Bulls have also been missing some interior depth, which makes it harder to protect the rim and control the glass. Against Towns, that’s a concern.

Caleb Wilson has been one of Chicago’s best early performers, averaging 22.3 points and eight rebounds. Josh Giddey is averaging 8.3 assists, and he’s been doing a good job creating shots for teammates. Buddy Hield gives Chicago some outside shooting, but the Bulls need more defensive help. Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury, Patrick Williams is sidelined with a groin problem, and Noa Essengue has been dealing with a head injury. That’s a lot of size and versatility missing. Chicago can still score, but I don’t like its chances of controlling the paint against New York.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions

New York Knicks Moneyline

I’m taking New York to win, although I’d want to see how the Knicks look against Detroit on Tuesday before betting a large amount. The Knicks haven’t been playing well, but they’ve been competitive in all three losses. Chicago just got blown out by Boston, and the Bulls are missing some important frontcourt players. Towns should have a good matchup inside, and Brunson is capable of taking over late if this is close. The back-to-back is the obvious concern. New York could come in tired, and Chicago has had an extra day to prepare. But I still think the Knicks have more reliable scoring options. I’ll take New York to get the win.

Under 228.5 — Target Total

I’ll take Under 228.5. New York has scored 100, 103 and 102 in its first three games. That’s not much offense, and playing on consecutive nights probably isn’t going to make the Knicks faster. Chicago has been giving up a lot of points, but the Bulls also scored only 99 against Boston on Monday. I expect New York to try to control the pace and work the ball inside to Towns. The danger is Chicago turning this into a fast game and getting hot from three. That could happen, especially if New York’s defense is tired. But I think the Knicks will be more comfortable playing a slower game. Something around New York 113-108 is where I’m leaning.

Final Picks: New York Knicks Moneyline and Under 228.5 (target total)

Preview prepared October 27, 2026.