Knicks Edge Bulls in Close Contest at United Center
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · United Center
New York Knicks 133, Chicago Bulls 127, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls?
New York Knicks beat Chicago Bulls 133-127 at United Center on October 28, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at the United Center, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 133-127. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between the two teams in the current season, with the Knicks now leading the series 2-0 after their previous win on April 3, 2026, where they dominated the Bulls 136-96.
The Bulls have struggled significantly this season, now holding a home record of 1-4 and an overall record of 1-4. Their recent form has been disappointing, with a streak of two consecutive losses. In their last ten games, the Bulls have managed to win only three, averaging 112.8 points scored while allowing 125.6 points. Their most recent game before facing the Knicks was a loss to the Boston Celtics, where they fell 99-134.
In contrast, the Knicks have shown better form, boasting a 2-3 record on the road and a 6-4 record overall in their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Detroit Pistons 111-97 in their last outing. The Knicks' scoring average in their recent games stands at 111.0 points, while they have allowed an average of 105.2 points.
Both teams dealt with injury issues leading into the game. The Bulls were without Tobe Awaka (ankle), Patrick Williams (groin), and Nic Claxton (hamstring), which undoubtedly impacted their performance. The Knicks also had a notable absence, with Jose Alvarado sidelined due to an ankle injury.
As for the betting market, DraftKings set the Knicks as 7.5-point favorites, with a total points line of 233.5. The odds reflected the Knicks' stronger recent form and the Bulls' struggles, with the moneyline for the Bulls at +225 and for the Knicks at -278.
The game conditions were typical for a late October evening in Chicago, with fans filling the arena to support their home team. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were high as both teams sought to improve their standings early in the season.
Throughout the game, viewers were treated to a display of competitive basketball. Key moments included Josh Giddey's three-point jumper in the fourth quarter, which brought the Bulls within striking distance, and Jalen Brunson's response with a crucial three-pointer that extended the Knicks' lead. Matas Buzelis contributed with free throws that further solidified the Knicks' advantage as the game drew to a close.
In summary, the Knicks' victory over the Bulls not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the challenges the Bulls face this season. With the Knicks now leading the series and the Bulls continuing to search for answers, the implications of this matchup will be felt as both teams move forward in the NBA season.
What we said beforehand
The Chicago Bulls will face the New York Knicks at the United Center on October 29, 2026, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two teams struggling to find their footing early in the season. Both teams enter this game with a record of 1-3, making this contest crucial for gaining momentum. The Bulls have shown flashes of offensive capability, highlighted by Caleb Wilson's average of 21.0 points per game, but have also faced challenges on the defensive end, allowing an average of 125.6 points per game at home.
In their last five games, the Bulls have secured two wins, including a 133-116 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves and a 132-125 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, they have also suffered three losses, with their most recent defeat coming against the Boston Celtics, where they fell 134-99. This inconsistency has contributed to a home record of 0-3, and they have averaged 112.8 points scored while allowing 125.6 points in those home games.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag of results recently. They started the season with a win against the Toronto Raptors (122-120) but have since lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic before bouncing back with a 111-97 win over the Detroit Pistons. Their recent form shows a slight improvement, with an away record of 2-1, and they have averaged 111.0 points scored while allowing 105.2 points in their last ten games.
Historically, the Knicks have had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning three out of the last four encounters, including a decisive 136-96 victory over the Bulls earlier this season. The Bulls will be looking to turn the tide in this rivalry, especially in front of their home crowd.
In terms of injuries, the Bulls will be without Tobe Awaka (ankle), Patrick Williams (groin), and Nic Claxton (hamstring), which could impact their depth and overall performance. The Knicks will also be missing Jose Alvarado due to an ankle injury, but they will rely on Jalen Brunson, who leads the team with an average of 22.8 points per game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Knicks favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 232.5. The odds indicate a competitive matchup, but the Knicks' recent form and head-to-head success may give them an edge as they look to build on their recent win.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the performance of the Bulls' Caleb Wilson and the Knicks' Jalen Brunson, both of whom are key scorers for their respective teams. Additionally, how the Bulls manage their defensive struggles at home will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -7.5 | 233.5 o -115 / u -105 | New York Knicks -278 · Chicago Bulls +225 |
Injury report
- Tobe AwakaOutAnkleChicago Bulls
- Patrick WilliamsOutGroinChicago Bulls
- Nic ClaxtonOutHamstringChicago Bulls
- Jose AlvaradoOutAnkleNew York Knicks
Leaders
- PointsNorman Powell30Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey11Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsJalen Smith11Chicago Bulls
- PointsJalen Brunson38New York Knicks
- AssistsTyler Kolek9New York Knicks
- ReboundsKarl-Anthony Towns13New York Knicks
Recent form
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2112.8 scored · 125.6 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L99-134at Boston CelticsOct 26
- L120-124vs Washington WizardsOct 25
- W132-125at Milwaukee BucksOct 23
- L92-135at Toronto RaptorsOct 21
- L128-149at Dallas MavericksApr 13
- L103-127vs Orlando MagicApr 11
- W119-108at Washington WizardsApr 9
- W129-98at Washington WizardsApr 7
- L110-120vs Phoenix SunsApr 5
- L96-136at New York KnicksApr 3
New York Knicks
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1111 scored · 105.2 allowed per game2-1 away
- W111-97vs Detroit PistonsOct 28
- L102-111vs Orlando MagicOct 25
- L103-107at Boston CelticsOct 23
- L100-106vs Philadelphia 76ersOct 20
- L96-110vs Charlotte HornetsApr 12
- W112-95vs Toronto RaptorsApr 10
- W112-106vs Boston CelticsApr 9
- W108-105at Atlanta HawksApr 6
- W136-96vs Chicago BullsApr 3
- W130-119at Memphis GrizzliesApr 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | - | 1 | W1 | .800 | 4 |
| Toronto | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .750 | 3 |
| Boston | 0.5 | 1 | W3 | .750 | 3 |
| New York | 2 | 3 | W2 | .400 | 2 |
| Brooklyn | 3.5 | 4 | L4 | .000 | 0 |
| Detroit | - | 1 | W1 | .800 | 4 |
| Cleveland | 0.5 | 1 | W3 | .750 | 3 |
| Indiana | 2 | 3 | L2 | .400 | 2 |
| Chicago | 3 | 4 | L3 | .200 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 3 | 4 | L1 | .200 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | New York Knicks | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 47-105 | 44-91 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 22-48 | 18-42 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 43 |
| Free throws | 17-20 | 21-30 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 50 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 31 |
| Assists | 32 | 32 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 42 |
| Fouls | 23 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 36 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter82-92Matas Buzelis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Leonard Miller assists)
- 3rd Quarter84-92Andre Drummond makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter84-94Leonard Miller makes 15-foot jumper (Tre Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-94Landry Shamet makes 25-foot three pointer (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-94Tyler Kolek makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-95Norman Powell makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter90-96Norman Powell makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter93-96Karl-Anthony Towns makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter93-99Isaac Okoro makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 4th Quarter96-99Jordan Clarkson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Landry Shamet assists)
- 4th Quarter98-99OG Anunoby makes driving layup (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
- 4th Quarter98-101Norman Powell makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Isaac Okoro assists)
- 4th Quarter100-101Karl-Anthony Towns makes driving dunk (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter102-101OG Anunoby makes running layup (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter102-104Norman Powell makes 25-foot three pointer (Jalen Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter104-104Jordan Clarkson makes driving layup (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter104-107Leonard Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 4th Quarter107-107Landry Shamet makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter107-109Tre Jones makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-109Jalen Brunson makes 21-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter112-109Landry Shamet makes 23-foot running jump shot (Jalen Brunson assists)
- 4th Quarter114-109Jordan Clarkson makes running layup
- 4th Quarter114-112Caleb Wilson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter116-112Jordan Clarkson makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Karl-Anthony Towns assists)
- 4th Quarter119-112Jalen Brunson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Clarkson assists)
- 4th Quarter119-114Norman Powell makes driving layup (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter122-114Jordan Clarkson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Landry Shamet assists)
- 4th Quarter124-114Jalen Brunson makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter124-115Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-116Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter127-116Jalen Brunson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter127-119Caleb Wilson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Matas Buzelis assists)
- 4th Quarter127-122Josh Giddey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter130-122Jalen Brunson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter130-123Matas Buzelis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-124Matas Buzelis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter130-127Jalen Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter131-127Jalen Brunson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter132-127OG Anunoby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter133-127OG Anunoby makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Bulls, below favours New York Knicks.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance20596
- OfficialsMarc Davis, Mark Lindsay, Mousa Dagher
Elsewhere
- Jalen Brunson scores 38 points as the Knicks beat the Bulls 133-127
- Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson lift undefeated Rockets past Bucks, 132-100
- Nikola Jokic notches 200th career triple-double as the Nuggets down the Pelicans, 104-91
- Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game Highlights
- Barrett, Barnes lead the Raptors in a 129-99 romp over the Magic
- Hornets bench Naz Reid at half for not meeting 'our standards'