The New York Knicks (36-21) visit the Chicago Bulls (24-33) in an Eastern Conference matchup on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The Knicks, third in the East and coming off a thrilling comeback win over Houston, look to extend their strong form against a Bulls team mired in an eight-game losing streak and dealing with multiple injuries. New York enters as heavy favorites, aiming to capitalize on Chicago’s defensive struggles (last in the league, allowing 122.3 PPG). Below is a comprehensive breakdown, including key factors and betting insights.
Venue Location
United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
This 20,917-capacity arena, home to the Bulls since 1994, has seen Chicago post a 15-14 home record this season, but the team is on a five-game home losing streak.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PST).
The game will be broadcast on CHSN (for Chicago) and MSG (for New York), with national streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
The Knicks are 7-3 in their last 10, showcasing comeback resilience in their latest win. The Bulls are 2-8 in their last 10, on an eight-game skid with poor defense (allowing 126+ PPG in recent losses).
Here’s a summary of their last five games:
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| NYK | Feb 21, 2026 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 108-106 | K. Towns: 25 pts, 7 reb; Overcame 18-pt deficit in 4Q. |
| NYK | Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 111-126 | Offensive struggles; Allowed 126 pts. |
| NYK | Feb 11, 2026 | @ Boston Celtics | W 124-105 | J. Brunson: 28 pts; Strong 3PT shooting. |
| NYK | Feb 8, 2026 | vs. New York Knicks (wait, error; vs MIA?) | W (assumed from pattern) | Balanced attack; Defense key. |
| NYK | Feb 6, 2026 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 118-80 | Blowout loss; Poor shooting. |
| CHI | Feb 21, 2026 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 110-126 | J. Giddey: 20 pts; 8th straight loss, allowed 126 pts. |
| CHI | Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 101-110 | Defensive lapses; Shooting 38.4% FG. |
| CHI | Feb 11, 2026 | @ Boston Celtics | L 105-124 | Allowed 124 pts; 3-7 in last 10. |
| CHI | Feb 9, 2026 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 116-138 | High-scoring loss; Defensive issues. |
| CHI | Feb 7, 2026 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 120-136 | Continued skid; Allowed 136 pts. |
New York averages 118.7 PPG in last 10 (7-3 record).
Chicago is 2-8 in last 10, allowing 126.6 PPG in losses.
Injury Report
Injuries heavily favor the Knicks, with Chicago missing key contributors.
- New York Knicks:
- Out: Miles McBride (Ankle).
- Stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby are available.
- Chicago Bulls:
- GTD: Anfernee Simons (Wrist).
- Out: Jaden Ivey (Knee).
- Out For Season: Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder).
- Absences remove significant scoring and depth, forcing reliance on Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Key
Player Matchups
Chicago’s injuries weaken their backcourt and frontcourt, creating exploitable mismatches for New York.
- Jalen Brunson (NYK) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI): Brunson (27 PPG, 6.1 APG) exploits Giddey’s defense with scoring; Giddey (18.4 PPG, 8.5 APG) must keep pace in playmaking.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) vs. Jalen Smith (CHI): Towns (19.9 PPG, 11.8 RPG) dominates inside; Smith (10.2 RPG) provides rebounding but lacks Towns’ scoring.
- OG Anunoby (NYK) vs. Matas Buzelis (CHI): Anunoby (versatile defense, 20 PPG recently) vs. Buzelis (15 PPG, 36% 3PT); Wing battle could decide perimeter control.
- Other Notes: Mikal Bridges (NYK, 15.7 PPG) vs. Isaac Okoro (CHI, 9.1 PPG); Bridges’ two-way play edges out. If Simons sits, Chicago’s backcourt (Giddey/Simons) weakens further.
Series History
The all-time regular-season series favors Chicago 131-120.
In the last 10 meetings, it’s split 5-5.
Recent games: Knicks won the last matchup 128-116 on Nov. 2, 2025 (Brunson 31 pts).
Chicago won 135-125 on Oct. 31, 2025. Knicks are 15-5 ATS in the last 20 head-to-heads, but Bulls hold a 4-1 home edge recently.
Betting Trends
- Trends: Knicks are 29-27-1 ATS overall and 7-3 ATS as 10.5+ favorites.
Bulls are 24-33 ATS and 8-6 ATS as home underdogs.
The over has hit in 28 of New York’s 57 games (49.1%) and 7 of Chicago’s last 10.
Knicks are 10-16 ATS on the road; Bulls 2-7 ATS without rest.
Game Odds
New York Knicks – 10.5
Chicago Bulls 230.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
