The electric hum of Madison Square Garden will pulse with vengeance tonight as the New York Knicks (2-3) host the Chicago Bulls (5-0) in a quick-turnaround rematch. Just 48 hours after Chicago’s 135-125 dismantling of the Knicks on Friday.

The Knicks, who preached grit and depth all offseason, can’t afford another stumble against a Bulls squad that’s been the league’s surprise story.

Chicago’s hot streak is no fluke. They’ve won every game by double digits, showcasing suffocating defense (holding opponents under 100 points twice) and opportunistic scoring from role players like Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis.

But here’s the chink in their armor: injuries. Coby White, Chicago’s second leading scorer at 20.4 points per game, is out with a right calf strain.  Also, Zach Collins is out with a wrist injury that adds uncertainty to their backcourt rotation.

New York, meanwhile, arrives nearly at full throttle. Mitchell Robinson, the rim-protecting anchor who’s missed the entire season so far, is questionable but trending toward a debut—his mere presence would neutralize Vucevic’s paint dominance.

What does this all mean? I am not sure, but Jalen Brunson thrives in these grudge matches, and Karl Anthony-Towns rebounding edge will exploit Chicago’s depleted frontcourt.

This matchup screams bounce-back. The Knicks’ home crowd will amplify their intensity, turning MSG into a cauldron. Chicago’s undefeated aura fades; expect New York’s superior talent and motivation to win out  in a close battle, covering the spread handily. The Bulls’ 5-0 ATS run? Impressive, but unsustainable against a motivated East contender.

My pick: Knicks -6.5 (-115) on BetMGM

Picture courtesy of ESPN

By Vincent