New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.22.26

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.22.26

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the New York Knicks (36-21) travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls (24-33) on February 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM. This matchup features a stark contrast between a surging Eastern Conference contender and a Bulls squad battling significant roster attrition and inconsistency.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview

New York Knicks Key Stats & Trends

The Knicks have established themselves as a powerhouse behind the elite play of Jalen Brunson, who leads the team with 27.1 PPG and 6.1 APG. His synergy with Karl-Anthony Towns, who anchors the paint with 11.9 RPG, makes New York a nightmare to defend. The Knicks’ ability to control the glass and execute in half-court sets remains their greatest strength.

• Points: Jalen Brunson (27.1)
• Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns (11.9)
• Assists: Jalen Brunson (6.1)
• Rating: Jalen Brunson (27.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG)

Injury Report New York Knicks

• Miles McBride (Out): McBride will undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and may be sidelined until the playoffs, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Chicago Bulls Key Stats & Trends

Chicago is currently leaning heavily on the versatile Josh Giddey. Giddey has been spectacular, averaging 18.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 8.7 APG. However, the Bulls’ depth is severely compromised. Without key scorers and interior presence, Chicago faces an uphill battle to keep pace with New York’s high-efficiency offense.

• Points: Josh Giddey (18.2)
• Rebounds: Josh Giddey (8.5)
• Assists: Josh Giddey (8.7)
• Rating: Josh Giddey (18.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 8.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Chicago Bulls

• Anfernee Simons (Day-to-day): Simons won’t return to Saturday’s game against the Pistons due to a left wrist injury.
• Zach Collins (Out): Collins will undergo surgery for a sprain right toe and will be sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
• Jaden Ivey (Out): Ivey will have his left knee injury reevaluated by medical staff in two weeks.
• Noa Essengue (Out): Essengue will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Best Bet

The definitive prediction for this contest is a victory for the New York Knicks. The talent gap, compounded by Chicago’s extensive injury list including Ivey and Collins, leaves the Bulls with too many holes to fill. Regarding the total points line of 232.5, the best play is the under. Chicago’s depleted backcourt will struggle to generate high-volume scoring against a disciplined Knicks defense, while New York is likely to control the tempo and limit possessions.