NBA Basketball
2012-04-08 - Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Sunday 8 April 2012 - Tip Off 1pm ET
6pm (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Chicago Bulls (43-13) have the best record in the NBA and are on course to cementing home advantage throughout the Play Offs and they have managed to do that for much of the season without their MVP, Derrick Rose, from last season.
They now face the New York Knicks (28-27), another team that has really shone despite missing some key components of their starting rotation in recent weeks, but a team that is looking over their shoulders in the Eastern Conference.
At the time of writing, the Knicks have a one game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the East for the Number 8 seed, but Milwaukee will have played on Saturday and may have moved within 0.5 games of the Knicks at tip off.
Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin are both out, but they moved to 4-2 without those players after beating Orlando in their last game. The Knicks are also 10-3 under Mike Woodson since the departure of Mike D'Antoni and they can thank Carmelo Anthony who has upped his game since the injuries to Stoudemire and Lin. Anthony is averaging 27.7 points per game over the last 6 games for the Knicks.
Chicago could be welcoming back Derrick Rose who has missed the last 12 games for the Bulls. However, they have really managed without Rose in his absences this season, and actually are 8-4 in the last 12 he has missed. Rose will still be welcomed and will look to continue his high form against New York who he has averaged 27.9 points per game in the last 7 in the series.
They have been solid in the absence of Rose as they continue to play a high level of defence, allowing just 88.8 points per game this season. They have won all 29 games they have played when holding teams to 91 points or less, while the rest of the rotation have really stepped up without their star PG.
This is a home and home set, so the teams meet again in Chicago in a couple of days time.
Head to Head
Chicago have actually won the last 3 games in the series between the teams, 2 of those taking place this season.
However, the Knicks continue to be a thorn in the side of the Bulls during the contests and are now 4-1 against the spread in the last 5 games in the series.
Chicago are 3-1 here at Madison Square Garden, although those games are split 2-2 against the spread.
New York are 17-11 against the spread at home this season, Chicago are 19-9 on the road.
New York are 12-12 against the spread as the underdog, Chicago are 28-22-1 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
New York have won their last 4 games against the spread as the home underdog of between 0.5 and 4.5 points.
They are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games against a team with a winning record.
They are 10-3 against the spread in their last 13 games against teams from the Eastern Conference.
Chicago are 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 games as the road favourite.
They are 6-1-1 against the spread in their last 8 games against teams form the Eastern Conference.
Prediction
I am going to take the Chicago Bulls to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, they have dominated the recent series between themselves and the Knicks, while they could be given a huge boost with their influential leader, Derrick Rose, likely to return to the starting line up.
Second, I think the Knicks have really been impressive in maintaining their run despite the number of injuries in their team, but the line looks a little strange with the layers suggesting Chicago are just 1 point better than Orlando?
Third, Chicago have been impressive on the road all season, especially when they are considered as the favourite to win the game.
The Pick :
New York Knicks 90-95 Chicago Bulls
