Knicks' fifth-ranked defense meets Bulls' league-worst offense

The New York Knicks (1-3) visit the Chicago Bulls (1-3) on Wednesday, October 28, at 8:00 PM ET, pairing the NBA's fifth-best defense against its worst offense and fastest pace.

Chicago scores 100.3 points per 100 possessions, 30th of 30 teams, and its 46.1% effective field goal rate is also last. The Bulls play at a pace of 110.4, and the speed has not produced points. New York allows 104.9 points per 100 possessions and holds opponents to a 50.9% effective rate, ninth.

The Knicks have their own problem at the other end. Their offensive rating of 103.6 ranks 25th, and their true shooting of 52% is the league's lowest. Chicago's defense gives them room: it allows 117.3 points per 100 possessions, 24th, and concedes a 56% effective rate, 23rd.

The Bulls also foul. Their opponents' free-throw rate of 0.342 is 27th, while Chicago's own rate of 0.383 leads the league, so the line may decide a game between two teams shooting poorly.

Karl-Anthony Towns averages 14 rebounds for New York, 4.8 of them offensive. Jalen Brunson scores 22.8 points a night but shoots 36.6% from the field. For Chicago, Caleb Wilson averages 21 points and 1.5 blocks, and Josh Giddey hands out 7.3 assists.

Chicago is thin up front. Nicolas Claxton, who plays 27.8 minutes a game, is out, and Patrick Williams and Tobe Awaka are questionable. New York lists Jose Alvarado as day-to-day.

The Bulls have lost two straight, including 134-99 at Boston, and their net rating of -17 is 29th. The Knicks beat Detroit 111-97 in their last game after three losses.

Sportsbook prices give New York a 69.5% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 58% for the Knicks.