NBA Betting Odds and Predictions: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls

New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls
Thursday, 4/11/13, 8:00 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: New York -3
Current Betting Line: New York -4
Opening Total: 189
Current Total: 191
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The New York Knicks currently own the longest active winning streak in the NBA

New York has won 13 games in a row, including a 120-99 victory over the Washington Wizards as 8.5-point home favorites Tuesday night, while going OVER the total for a second consecutive contest. The Knicks have been led on the offensive end by forward Carmelo Anthony, who is currently leading the NBA in scoring. “I just think Melo, he’s been on a nice run,” commented Knicks coach Mike Woodson. He has averaged 34.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in two meetings with the Bulls this season. New York is 3-5 ATS as road favorites of 3.5 to 6 points, with the OVER going 5-4 in that situation.

The Knicks have lost their first three games against the Bulls this season, which can’t be ignored when making your NBA picks against the spread Thursday night. New York will also lean heavily on the play of point guard Raymond Felton, who is averaging 24.0 points and 5.5 assists in two meetings in the series. It’s important to note that the club has failed to cover the number in its last four games versus the team that hails from the Windy City.

Chicago has dropped back-to-back games, including a 101-98 setback to the Toronto Raptors as 3.5-point home favorites Tuesday night, while going OVER the total for the first time in five contests. The Bulls have enjoyed great success behind the arc against the Knicks, as they’ve hit 47.6 percent of their shots from the distance, which is far different than their 34.5 mark for the entire 2012-13 campaign. Chicago is 1-5 ATS at home when the total is between 190 and 194.5, with the UNDER going 5-1 in that situation.

The Bulls are 22-17 overall at the United Center, including a 16-7 mark versus Eastern Conference foes. Chicago last swept a season series against New York in 2004-05, which is important to consider when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Injuries have hit this roster in a big way, with numerous players likely sitting this one out.