Here's what you need to know about the Chicago Bulls' visit to the New York Knicks.
The Chicago Bulls (29-47) again travel on the road and face one of their toughest remaining tests tonight as they will take on the New York Knicks (49-28) in the Mecca of basketball -- Madison Square Garden.
Fresh off a defensive collapse against the Pacers, where they surrendered early with 83 points for the first half, the Bulls are currently mired in a five-game losing streak. Facing a Knicks squad that has one of the most balanced looks on both ends (fifth in the league), Chicago’s fragile defense will need to find a rhythm early to avoid another blowout at Madison Square Garden.
With Josh Giddey remaining questionable to play, the roster remains heavily depleted following the season-ending shutdowns of Jalen Smith and the departure of Jaden Ivey. The frontcourt depth is particularly thin, putting an immense burden on Leonard Miller and Matas Buzelis to compete with a physical Knicks interior. While Buzelis has been a bright spot, leading the team in scoring lately, the Bulls are struggling to compensate for the loss of size and veteran leadership down the stretch. To stay competitive tonight, they must navigate the Knicks' elite frontcourt, led by Karl-Anthony Towns, and prevent Jalen Brunson from dictating the tempo in the half-court.
New York enters tonight’s matchup with a clear mission: solidify their standing as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. After snapping a three-game skid with a convincing win over a struggling Memphis, the Knicks look to sweep the season series against Chicago (currently 3-0). Even with Towns listed as questionable, the Knicks' depth, composed of the surging OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, presents a significant mismatch for a Bulls team that is effectively getting away from a rebuild while still piling up late-season losses.
How to Watch
Chicago Bulls (29-47) vs. New York Knicks (49-28)
Location: Madison Square Garden | New York, NY
Tipoff: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. ET)
TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), MSG, NBA TV | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King
Radio: WSCR AM 670, ESPN NY 98.7 | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Betting Odds (FanDuel)
Betting Line: Knicks -14.5
Moneyline: Knicks -1150, Bulls +730
Over/Under: 237.5
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Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
- Jalen Smith: OUT (Season)
- Noa Essengue / Zach Collins: OUT (Season)
- Anfernee Simons: OUT (Wrist)
- Nick Richards: OUT (Elbow)
- Josh Giddey: Probable (Hamstring)
- Tre Jones: Probable (Ankle)
- Mac McClung: Probable (Abdomen)
- Lachlan Olbrich: Probable (Bilateral Plantar Fascia)
- Guerschon Yabusele: Probable (Ankle)
New York Knicks
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Questionable (Calf/Elbow)
Last Game Starters
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers (April 1)
- G Tre Jones
- G Colin Sexton
- F Isaac Okoro
- F Matas Buzelis
- C Guerschon Yabusele
New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies (April 1)
- G Jose Alvarado
- G Mikal Bridges
- F Josh Hart
- F OG Anunoby
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (Pre-injury)