Looking like a true contender just four games into the young NBA season, the New York Knicks have been hitting all the right notes as they've gotten off to a 3-1 start to their 2021-22 NBA campaign. Tonight they'll have their hands full though as they'll be going up against a gritty, athletic, and well-coached Bulls team that's been smoking their competition on both ends of the floor through the early part of the season.
However, 2021 NBA Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau knows a thing or two about coaching against his former team and will be able to implement the right strategy for them to come out hot against this streaking Bulls squad. With all this going for the Knicks, let's now take a look at four bold predictions for their big-city match-up tonight.
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4. Julius Randle will post a double-double against the Bulls
As the NBA's most improved player from the 2020-21 season, Julius Randle has showcased his diverse skillset on both ends of the floor. With his mid-range mastery, 3-point shot, and relentless rebounding abilities, Randle has proven himself as one of the league's best multi-skilled big men who can go toe-to-toe with anybody on the glass, in the paint, or on the perimeter.
For these reasons, Randle will be able to handily snag a double-double on Thursday's battle of the big cities. So be on the lookout for a huge performance from Randle that's set to inspire and fire up this upstart New York Knicks squad that's looking to hand Chicago their first loss of the season.
3. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier will light up the scoreboard
Now that the Knicks have added some quality talent to their backcourt, it can definitely be expected that Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier will be putting up big numbers tonight and be major contributors as the Knicks aim to have another high scoring affair. This Bulls defense is amongst the league's stingiest, but they're well-rounded offensive attack will make for the perfect counter to this dynamic Chicago team.
Seeing as this is the first season that both of these players have been with the Knicks, they're already starting off on the right foot. So it shouldn't come as any surprise to see the Knicks scoring from all over right out of the gate. With both players already doing well with a change of scenery, they'll get their first true test of the season tonight against this young and athletic Bulls squad.
2. RJ Barrett will have a big game for the Knicks
As one of the NBA's most promising young talents, RJ Barrett undoubtedly has a limitless All-Star ceiling. Having said that, he's set to have a big game for the Knicks tonight as they look to slow down this electric Bulls team. After making a ton of progress last season and showing how much potential he has to be a superstar in this league, don't count out a big game from Barrett tonight.
If anything's true in the NBA, it's that superstars can rise up unexpectedly and this was widely seen during last year's playoffs. Given all he's capable of and already achieved, Barrett is primed to have a huge game for the Knicks and may even have himself a career night. As the Knicks look to build on their early-season success, Barrett will be inspired to have a big game for New York.
1. The Knicks will lose their second straight game
As good as they've played through their first four games of the season, they won't possess enough depth, tenacity, or athleticism to keep up with this deep and talented Chicago Bulls team that's completely turned things around to start off their season. It won't be an easy win for the Bulls, but in the end, they will prevail against this tough-minded Knicks team that is anything but an easy out.
Even with all the progress, they've made over the past couple of seasons, the Knicks are still a ways away from being in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. It may be a bit premature to put the Bulls in this category after just four games, but as of right now they look absolutely unstoppable and it doesn't seem like the Knicks will have an answer for their dominant two-way play.
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