Knicks vs. Bulls NBA Pick

It’s round four of a season series that has been very fun to watch so far. The Knicks and Bulls hook up for the finale of their season series tonight from the United Center in Chicago. Which team are we counting on to cover for us in our NBA picks tonight?

The Bulls lead the series so far 2-1 SU, but are 0-3 ATS against the Knicks this season. 

These two played a thrilling overtime game from Madison Square Garden on Easter Sunday, where Carmelo Anthony finally came alive and had his best game as a Knick in the Garden. He sent the game into overtime, and then won the game.

Currently the NBA odds makers have listed the spread at -8 in favor of the Bulls, but while all of the NBA betting action is coming in on the Knicks, there is another reason the NBA lines might fall down in a hurry.

Rose hobbled again

Give me a moment while I scream and rip my hair out as the Bulls suffer another injury. Derrick Rose played his first game in almost a month this past Sunday, and though he had a rocky start, he did end up with a very good game. Now word was released very early this morning that he apparently hurt his ankle and played through it during the game. He is reportedly in a walking boot and is a game time decision. He also pulled what I am now referring to as “A Rose,” and once again missed two game altering free throws down the stretch, which helped the Knicks win the game.

This news not only gives me a headache, it kind of puts a wrench in my NBA picks this evening. Although Rose hasn’t been ruled out yet, this was the game that the Bulls would finally cover a spread against the Knicks. The fact that this will be the forth time these two have met this season, and the second time in two days favors Chicago. The Bulls will not allow Carmelo Anthony to do what he did Sunday afternoon again. The adjustments will take care of that. 

Knicks’ encore 

If New York can beat the Bulls again tonight, they will surely plant themselves firmly into the playoff picture with only nine games to go. The Bucks lost last night at the hands of the Thunder, and so the Knicks are currently tied for the 7^th spot with Philadelphia, and are 1.5 games up on the Bucks, and 3 games back of the Celtics. Philly and Boston are both in action this evening. 

What the Knicks did in New York (or really what Carmelo did) was truly outstanding. However, this is a very different team on the road. The Knicks are only 10-17 SU on the road this season, and are 11-16 ATS away from the Garden.

The Sharp Pick

Although the Bulls have not finished their morning shoot around at the time of this article's publication, I would guess that even though Rose was spotted in a walking boot, I think he will play this evening. He played through an ankle injury last year in the playoffs, and the Bulls still need to make a push if they want to lock up the home court advantage.

The Heat play the Celtics tonight in Miami, and are only 2 games back of the Bulls for the number-one seed. Chicago is 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against the Knicks, and I see Rose playing and playing well tonight. I will post an update as soon as there is one on Rose’s status. However, even if he sits, I still like the Bulls to cover.

Also, take a look at the line movement for this game. If the news on Rose is bad, it will give us more value with our sports picks, especially because the public is already pounding the Knicks.

My Pick: Bulls -8