NBA Wednesday Free Bet: New York Knicks @ Chicago Bulls (-4.5 | O/U: 225.5)

The Knicks and the Bulls headline ESPN’s Wednesday night slate in the NBA, as both teams jockey for positioning in a tightly packed East. These two teams will face-off three times in the next ten days, and although it’s only December, these pending matchups may prove crucial in the Conference’s playoff race.

Neither team has been particularly stout thus far, as both teams rate in the middle of the pack in overall Net Rating on the season, but there’s optimism for both squads. The Bulls have regressed from last year, but this may be a product of them having faced one of the most difficult schedules of opposing offenses in the NBA. Still Chicago ranks seventh in Defensive Rating on the season, and fourth on defense when adjusting for opponents. 

As for New York, the team has won and covered in four straight, and have notably gone Under in six consecutive games. Too, these trends are no coincidence. Over their past four games the Knicks own the number one defense in the NBA, but their offense slots in as 25th over this same span. In addition, this is likely not the best matchup for the Knicks offense. A great portion of their production has been fueled by second chance points this season, an edge which Chicago should be able to negate. 

In summation, neither team’s offense has been particularly threatening this season (Knicks rank 15th in Adjusted Offense, Chicago 20th), whereas both defenses have been admirable. 

We could lean either side on the spread, but a bet on the Under is the angle here. Such disparity in offensive and defensive efficiency is fruitful for Under, and the likely absence of Brunson only strengthens our endorsement.

Bet: Under 225.5 (-110)

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