February 22, 2026 | United Center | 8:00 PM ET | ESPN, NBC Sports Chicago, MSG
Back-to-back national TV games, and we’re getting our teeth kicked in.
Last night, the Detroit Pistons reminded us what a real contender looks like. Tonight, the New York Knicks (35–21) roll into the United Center as the 5th seed in the East, and we’re still sitting at 24–32 in 12th place, trying to figure out how all these new pieces fit together.
Jalen Brunson is playing at an All-NBA level. Julius Randle is back to being a problem. And the Knicks’ defense is top-tier in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, we’re giving up 120.4 points per game and hoping DeMar DeRozan can carry us again.
This is another massive test. And honestly? We need to show some damn pride at home.
The New York Knicks: Legit Playoff Team
Record: 35–21 (5th in East)
Let’s not pretend—the Knicks are good. Really good. Jalen Brunson has turned into one of the best guards in the league, averaging elite scoring and playmaking numbers. Julius Randle provides interior scoring and rebounding. RJ Barrett gives them wing defense and secondary scoring.
They score 116.2 points per game while only allowing 111.8. Their defense ranks among the best in the East. And in crunch time, Brunson is absolutely clutch—he’ll hit the dagger three or make the right play when it matters most.
The Knicks play old-school, physical basketball. They grind you down in half-court sets, dominate the glass with Mitchell Robinson and Randle, and suffocate you defensively. If you’re not ready for that style, they’ll beat you by 15 and make it look easy.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Not Great)
Record: 24–32 (12th in East)
We lost to Detroit last night, and now we’re facing another playoff team. The schedule isn’t doing us any favors, but at some point, we have to start beating good teams if we want to be taken seriously.
What’s Working:
- We’re 3rd in the East in three-point shooting (14.6 made per game)
- Ball movement is solid (29.1 assists per game, also 3rd in East)
- DeMar DeRozan is still elite in the mid-range
What’s Not Working:
- Defense is atrocious (120.4 points allowed per game)
- Rebounding is a disaster (42.1 per game vs New York’s 45.6)
- Chemistry is still developing with all the new guys
Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, and Jaden Ivey are talented, but they’re still learning how to play together. DeMar’s trying to hold it all together, but asking one 35-year-old to carry a playoff push is unrealistic.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.8 | 116.2 |
| Points Allowed | 120.4 | 111.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 | 26.7 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.6 | 12.9 |
| Rebounding | 42.1 | 45.6 |
We pass better and shoot more threes. They score more, defend better, and rebound better. The numbers tell the story—they’re the more complete team right now.
The rebounding gap is a massive problem. Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are going to dominate the glass. If we’re giving up second-chance points and offensive rebounds all night, we’re cooked.
What the Bulls Need to Do to Win
Hit Threes Early and Often
This is our only real advantage. We shoot 14.6 threes per game compared to their 12.9. If DeMar, Simons, Sexton, and whoever else can knock down 16+ threes tonight, we can stay in this game. If we go cold, the Knicks will grind us down.
DeMar Has to Be Perfect
DeRozan’s mid-range game is automatic, and the Knicks know it. They’re going to load up on him and force someone else to beat them. DeMar needs to pick his spots, hit tough shots, and create opportunities for his teammates. If he goes passive or gets frustrated, we’re done.
Anfernee Simons Needs a Signature Game
Simons has the talent to drop 30 on any given night. Tonight, in front of a national TV audience against a good defensive team, would be the perfect time to show Bulls fans why the front office traded for him. Get hot early, attack Brunson on defense, and force New York to adjust.
Someone—Anyone—Needs to Rebound
We’re getting killed on the glass. Randle and Robinson are going to get theirs, but we can’t let role players grab offensive boards and extend possessions. Box out, crash the glass, and at least make rebounding competitive.
Slow Down Jalen Brunson (Good Luck)
Brunson is the engine that makes the Knicks go. He’ll penetrate, hit mid-range pull-ups, kick to shooters, and make the right play every time. We’re not stopping him, but if we can make him work for every bucket and force him into tough shots, maybe—maybe—we keep this close.
The Head-to-Head Battles That Matter
Jalen Brunson vs Bulls’ Backcourt
Brunson will hunt mismatches all night. Whether it’s Simons, Sexton, or whoever else, he’s going to attack and expose our perimeter defense. This is where games are won and lost—if Brunson goes off for 35, we’re getting blown out.
DeMar DeRozan’s Mid-Range vs Knicks’ Defense
The Knicks have one of the best defenses in the East, but DeMar’s mid-range game is elite. He’ll get his shots. The question is whether he can be efficient enough to keep us in the game.
Julius Randle vs Our Frontcourt
Randle’s a problem. He’s physical, he can score inside, and he dominates the glass. Our frontcourt needs to make him work on both ends and not let him dictate the pace.
The Betting Lines (Not Encouraging)
- Spread: Knicks -6.5
- Over/Under: 233.5
- Moneyline: Knicks -240, Bulls +200
The Knicks have covered in 5 of their last 7 games. We’re 2–6 against the spread in our last 8. Vegas sees what we see—New York’s the better team, and it’s not particularly close.
The over has hit in 4 of our last 5 games, which makes sense given our defensive struggles. If both teams get into the 110s, that’s probably a Knicks win.
Bulls Fan Prediction: We Fight, But It’s Not Enough
Final Score: Knicks 116, Bulls 109
I want to believe tonight’s the night we put it all together. DeMar goes off for 30. Simons catches fire from three. The defense somehow shows up. And we shock the Knicks on ESPN.
But I’ve watched this team all season. Here’s what’s really going to happen:
The Knicks will control the pace from the start. Brunson will pick apart our defense with smart drives and pull-ups. Randle will dominate the glass and get easy putbacks. We’ll hang around behind three-point shooting—probably hit 14 or 15 threes—but we won’t be able to get enough stops.
DeMar will keep us competitive with his mid-range mastery. Simons will have a couple highlight plays. But in crunch time, Brunson will make the play that puts it away, and we’ll fall short again.
Seven or eight points feels about right. Close enough to keep us engaged, not close enough to steal the win.
Why This Game Matters (Even Though It Probably Doesn’t)
We’re 12th in the East. The play-in is basically gone. The season’s essentially over in terms of realistic playoff hopes.
So why does tonight matter?
Because it’s the Knicks. Because it’s on ESPN. Because the United Center will be packed, and our fans deserve to see this team compete with a legitimate playoff squad.
And because at some point, if we’re ever going to be good again, we need to start beating teams like New York. Not just keeping it close. Not just “showing promise.” Actually winning these games.
The Knicks are everything we’re trying to become—balanced, disciplined, defensively sound, and clutch in big moments. If we can’t even hang with them at home, what does that say about where we are in the rebuild?
See Red. Let’s shock some people (but probably won’t).
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