Knicks Have Anthony Back For Friday Matchup With Bulls
By:
Michael Robinson |
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The Knicks were without Carmelo Anthony in the first meeting with the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 12/21/2012 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: NA
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Television: NBATV
Chicago Bulls: Chicago (14-10 straight-up, 9-15 against the spread) last played on Tuesday night, an impressive 100-89 win over Boston as 1½-point favorites. Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer led the way with 21 points apiece. The Bulls average just 92.8 points per game for the season (tied for 26th) while allowing 90.3 ppg (ranked second). That makes them the biggest "under" team in the league at 16-8. The "under" is also 7-0 in their last seven games playing on two days of rest. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s guys now hit the road for another tough test after playing in Memphis on Monday (80-71 defeat as 6½-point ‘dogs). They’re 6-4 SU and ATS away on the season.
New York Knicks: The Knicks (19-6 SU, 15-10 ATS) also got a win in their last game, 100-86 as 6-point home favorites over rival Brooklyn on Wednesday. Carmelo Anthony (ankle) was considered a game-time decision after missing the two prior contests, but he performed fine in scoring 31 points (12-of-22 from the field). New York is now 11-1 SU and 9-3 ATS at Madison Square Garden this year, with the only loss coming last Monday to Houston (109-96) with Anthony out. Note the last two Knicks games both went "under" the total, and the "over" was 6-0 in the team's previous six at MSG (averaging a big 111 ppg). They will likely look to start ramping the offense back up on Friday with Anthony back in the lineup. These teams have met just once this season, a 93-85 Chicago home win on Dec. 8 as 2½-point ‘dogs. Anthony (28 ppg, ranked second) didn’t play then either with a finger issue, and the offense really struggles when he’s out. The Bulls are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in the Big Apple.
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