The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 105-99 at the United Center in Chicago on February 22, 2026, extending their winning record against their Eastern Conference rivals. The game, which tipped off at 8:00 PM ET, saw the Knicks overcome a determined Bulls side in a closely contested matchup. This victory further solidifies the Knicks’ position as a strong contender in the NBA, while the Bulls continue to struggle at home.
The Knicks, entering the game with a 36-21 record, were favored by 9.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. This win brings their record in games where they were favored to 32-15, demonstrating their consistency when expected to perform. The Bulls, now 24-33, faced their fifth consecutive home loss, adding to the pressure on the team to turn their fortunes around at the United Center. The final score reflects a hard-fought battle, with the Knicks ultimately proving too strong for the Bulls.
Game Recap: Knicks Edge Out Bulls in Chicago
The New York Knicks secured a narrow victory over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 105-99. The game unfolded with a competitive rhythm, with both teams trading leads throughout the four quarters. The Knicks demonstrated a strong offensive performance, scoring 25 points in the first quarter, followed by 27 in the second, 31 in the third, and 22 in the fourth. The Bulls responded with 27, 26, 25, and 21 points respectively, but ultimately fell short of overcoming the Knicks’ consistent scoring.
AccuScore’s pre-game analysis correctly identified the Knicks as solid 70.9 percent favorites. Their forecast of the Knicks shooting 47.4 percent from the field proved accurate, while the Bulls managed 46.4 percent. The Knicks also held a rebounding advantage, 45.6 to 40.3, and committed fewer turnovers, 13.3 compared to the Bulls’ 15.2. These statistical advantages contributed significantly to the Knicks’ victory. The Knicks also demonstrated proficiency from three-point range, making 16.6 three-pointers on 38.0 percent shooting.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Team | Score | 1st Q | 2nd Q | 3rd Q | 4th Q |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 99 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 21 |
| New York Knicks | 105 | 25 | 27 | 31 | 22 |
Key Factors in the Knicks’ Victory
Several key factors contributed to the New York Knicks’ win over the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks’ ability to control the boards, averaging 46.2 rebounds per game, provided them with second-chance opportunities and helped dictate the tempo of the game. Their ball movement, averaging 27.1 assists, demonstrated a comfortable sharing of the basketball, leading to efficient scoring opportunities. The Knicks are currently the eighth-ranked scoring team in the league, averaging 117.7 points per game, while the Bulls allow an average of 120.5 points, ranking them 26th in the NBA.
The Bulls, despite a valiant effort, struggled to contain the Knicks’ offensive firepower. Their five-game home losing streak highlights their difficulties in securing victories at the United Center. While the Bulls have shown flashes of potential, consistency remains a challenge. The Knicks’ moneyline probability of winning was 81.4%, and they delivered on that expectation. The Bulls, despite being underdogs with a 22.9% implied probability of winning, put up a strong fight, demonstrating their resilience.
Betting Trends and Predictions
Prior to the game, the Knicks were a 9.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 233.5. Predictions favored the Bulls to cover the spread (+9.5) and the game to head under the total (233.5). The final score of 105-99 confirms the under prediction, as the total points scored (204) fell below the set threshold. The Knicks won by only six points, meaning the Bulls did not cover the spread. The predicted final score of Knicks 120 – Bulls 114 was also inaccurate, indicating the game was closer than anticipated.
The Knicks have a strong record in games they are favored, winning 68.1% of those matchups (32-15). They are particularly successful when favored by a significant margin, winning 70% of games with odds of -439 or shorter (7-3). The Bulls, have won 42.4% of their games as underdogs (14 out of 33), and only one of their six games when they were underdogs by at least +336 on the moneyline.
Looking Ahead
The New York Knicks will continue their road trip, facing the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2026. This will be a crucial test for the Knicks as they aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings. The Chicago Bulls will return home to face the Detroit Pistons on February 25, 2026, seeking to break their home losing streak and regain their competitive edge. Fans can find updated NBA results and standings on various sports websites, including Sportsbook Wire.
The NBA season continues to unfold with exciting matchups and unpredictable outcomes. The Knicks’ victory over the Bulls serves as a reminder of the league’s competitive nature and the importance of consistent performance. The Bulls will need to address their struggles at home if they hope to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference.
What are your thoughts on the Knicks’ performance? Do you think the Bulls can turn their home record around? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans.