Game Preview: Knicks vs Bulls, Nov. 2, 2025

SB Nation

The New York Knicks (2–3) return to MSG tonight for a rematch with the Chicago Bulls (5–0), eager to avenge Friday’s 135–125 loss in Chicago.

The stakes are high. To lose four straight, including back-to-backs

against a team that New York vastly outclasses on paper would add extra insult to the humiliation. Friday’s loss exposed how vulnerable New York can look when their defense falters and the bench fails to perform. Josh Giddey shredded the Knicks with a career-best 32 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while Chicago’s reserves overwhelmed New York’s second unit to the tune of 53–21.

New York’s core played well enough. Jalen Brunson continues to put up star numbers, averaging more than 31 points per game on strong shooting splits, and OG Anunoby is consistently solid. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges offered highlights in Chicago, yet neither provided the sustained support needed to counter the Bulls’ relentless offense. KAT’s defense is what it is: sometimes encouraging, other times in need of training wheels.

In Illinois, the team was whole again. Mitchell Robinson logged his first minutes of the season, finally, but even while collecting double-digit rebounds, he looked not-ready-for-primetime. Miles McBride returned after a personal break but failed to provide his usual spark. The Josh Hart conversation continues. And if the rest of the bench got left behind at O’Hare International Airport, would you shed a tear? It might be beneficial to today’s outcome.

Chicago, meanwhile, arrives brimming with confidence. Their squad has been among the league’s most efficient offensive teams through five games. They move the ball with precision and punish opponents on the glass. Giddey has found his groove in Chi Town, gelling well with vet Nikola Vučević, Ayo Dosunmu, and youngster Matas Buzelis. The Aussie’s versatility has set the tone, but the entire rotation has bought into a team-first approach that keeps defenders scampering.

For New York, the pressure is on. They will need better defensive communication, rebounding, and scoring if they want to protect their home court. If the Knicks lay an egg today, the Garden crowd will be salll-ty. Half the fanbase is already drafting mea culpa letters to Thibs; a fourth-straight loss might compel the NYPD to string nets around the base of tall buildings across Manhattan. Prediction: Knicks avoid disaster thanks to a late game surge led by Captain Clutch and win by four. . . . Could happen.