The New York Knicks will visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, February 22, with both teams managing key injuries that could shape the Eastern Conference clash at United Center.
New York enters the game at 36-21, third in the East, while Chicago sits 12th at 24-33 and is trying to halt an eight-game losing streak.
The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson, who is sidelined due to left ankle injury management. Robinson averages 8.7 rebounds, including 4.5 offensive boards, and shoots 68.8% from the field in 19.6 minutes per game, giving New York rim protection and second-chance opportunities that are difficult to replace.
Miles McBride is also out following pelvic core muscle surgery. The 25-year-old guard has averaged 12.9 points and 2.9 three-pointers per game while shooting 42.0% from beyond the arc, production that has helped space the floor for Jalen Brunson.
Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar Jr. remain out on G League assignments.
Brunson, who is averaging 27.0 points and 6.1 assists, continues to anchor the offense. Karl-Anthony Towns adds 19.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
Chicago’s injury list is longer and includes multiple rotation players.
Anfernee Simons is out with a left wrist sprain. The guard has averaged 15.2 points since being traded to Chicago earlier this month and provides perimeter shot creation the Bulls have struggled to replace.
Jaden Ivey is sidelined with left patellofemoral pain syndrome. Zach Collins is out due to a right toe sprain, and Noa Essengue remains unavailable following left shoulder surgery.
Nick Richards is listed as questionable with right foot soreness. The center averages 8.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19.4 minutes, offering interior size behind Jalen Smith, who posts 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Patrick Williams is probable despite a left hand contusion. He averages 6.9 points in 19.3 minutes and could see an increased role if Richards cannot play.
The Bulls will lean heavily on Josh Giddey, who averages 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, and on Matas Buzelis, who contributes 15.0 points per game. Tre Jones adds 12.2 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 54.9% from the field.
