Bulls attempt to end 8-game losing streak against Knicks
Knicks favored by 10.5 points in betting matchup
Teams split first two meetings this season
Bulls struggling with 1-9 record in last 10 games
Knicks third in Eastern Conference with 36-21 record
📖 Full Retelling
The Chicago Bulls will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. EST, as the struggling Bulls attempt to break their eight-game losing streak against the Eastern Conference-leading Knicks. The matchup features teams heading in opposite directions, with the Knicks holding a solid 36-21 record and third place in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls languish at 24-33 and 12th position in the same conference. The betting line heavily favors New York, with the Knicks listed as 10.5-point favorites and an over/under set at 232.5 points. The Bulls have struggled significantly in recent play, posting a dismal 1-9 record over their last ten games, averaging 110.2 points while allowing 124.1 to opponents. In contrast, the Knicks have been more consistent with a 7-3 record in their last ten, averaging 118.7 points while holding opponents to just 109.0 points per game. The teams will be meeting for the third time this season, with New York winning the previous encounter 128-116 on November 3, behind Jalen Brunson's 31-point performance. Key players to watch include Bulls guard Anfernee Simons averaging 14.3 points and Knicks star Brunson, who has been scoring 24.5 points per game over his last ten contests. Both teams face significant injury concerns, with the Bulls missing several key players including Jaden Ivey and Zach Collins for the season, while the Knicks are without guard Miles McBride.
Uninterrupted string of contests lost by a team or individual
In sports, a losing streak (a.k.a. a cold streak, losing skid, slide, schneid, or losing slump) is an uninterrupted string of contests (games, matches, etc.) lost by a team or individual. A losing streak is thus the opposite of a winning streak.
National Basketball Association team in New York City
The New York Knickerbockers, shortened and more commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The Knicks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Easte...
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional basketball...
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players each (excluding subs), opposing one another on a rectangular court, compete with the primary objective of shooting a basketball (approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter) through the defender's hoop (a basket 18 inches (46 cm) in diam...
This game is significant as the Chicago Bulls are attempting to break a damaging eight-game losing streak that has hurt their playoff positioning. The matchup also features two Eastern Conference teams with contrasting recent fortunes, highlighting the competitive disparity within the conference.
Context & Background
Chicago Bulls are on an eight-game losing streak and are 12th in the Eastern Conference.
New York Knicks are third in the Eastern Conference with a 36-21 record.
The Knicks won the last matchup between these teams 128-116 on November 3.
The Bulls lead the league in points in the paint, averaging 52.0 per game.
Both teams have key players listed on the injury report.
What Happens Next
The outcome will impact the Bulls' efforts to climb the standings and snap their prolonged losing skid. For the Knicks, a win would help solidify their position near the top of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the betting line for the game?
The Knicks are favored by 10.5 points, and the over/under for total points is 232.5.
Who were the top performers in the last game between these teams?
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points in their November 3 victory.
How have both teams performed in their last 10 games?
The Bulls are 1-9 in their last 10 games, while the Knicks are 7-3.
Original Source
Bulls face the Knicks on 8-game skid Chicago looks to break its eight-game losing streak when the Chicago Bulls play New York By The Associated Press February 22, 2026, 2:03 AM New York Knicks (36-21, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-33, 12th in the Eastern Conference Sunday, 8 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -10.5; over/under is 232.5 BOTTOM LINE: Chicago looks to end its eight-game skid when the Bulls take on New York. The Bulls are 16-24 in conference matchups. Chicago is sixth in the league with 52.0 points in the paint led by Josh Giddey averaging 8.6. The Knicks have gone 24-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York is third in the Eastern Conference scoring 117.7 points per game and is shooting 47.2%. The Bulls' 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.8 more made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Knicks allow. The Knicks average 14.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.9 more makes per game than the Bulls give up. The teams square off for the third time this season. The Knicks won the last matchup 128-116 on Nov. 3. Jalen Brunson scored 31 points to help lead the Knicks to the victory. TOP PERFORMERS: Anfernee Simons is scoring 14.3 points per game and averaging 2.5 rebounds for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis is averaging 15.2 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last 10 games. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 21, 5:31 PM Trump says he has signed order for new 15% tariff after Supreme Court ruling Feb 21, 4:34 PM Nancy Guthrie case: Person released as search for 'armed individual' continues Feb 10, 11:15 PM Mikal Bridges is scoring 15.7 points per game and averaging 4.2 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 24.5 points and 4.2 rebounds over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 1-9, averaging 110.2 points, 42.3 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 43.4% from the field. Their opponents have...
