The New York Knicks are set to face off against the Chicago Bulls, but they'll be missing a key player from their bench rotation. The Knicks recently edged out the Houston Rockets with a tight 108-106 victory, bouncing back from a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
This win-loss pattern has been a theme in their last seven games. As they embark on a three-game road trip, they hold a solid third place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 36-21 record.
The Bulls, on the other hand, are struggling. They fell to the Pistons 126-110 on Saturday, marking their eighth consecutive loss.
With a dismal 1-11 record since January 26, the Bulls find themselves outside the Play-In tournament, sitting in 12th place at 24-33. This matchup marks the third of a seven-game homestand for Chicago.
Tonight's game is the third meeting this season between the Knicks and the Bulls. They split their first two encounters back in late October and early November. They'll face off once more in early April.
Knicks Injury Report
The Knicks will be without their backup center, Mitchell Robinson, who is sidelined due to left ankle injury management. In his last game against the Rockets, Robinson contributed six points and four rebounds in 18 minutes of play.
His absence in back-to-back games has been a consistent issue this season. Over 41 games, he's been averaging 5.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Miles McBride remains out following pelvic core muscle surgery. He hasn't played since January 27 and is expected to be sidelined until at least the playoffs. Meanwhile, Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar Jr are both unavailable as they are on G-League two-way contracts.
Bulls Injury Report
For the Bulls, Patrick Williams is listed as probable with a left hand contusion. Despite the injury, he managed to play 16 minutes against the Pistons, scoring six points, and has been a consistent presence, missing only four games this season.
Jaden Ivey is out with left patellofemoral pain syndrome, having played just four games for the Bulls since February 11. He's expected to be out for a couple more weeks. Nick Richards is questionable due to right foot soreness, after contributing five points and five rebounds in 19 minutes against the Pistons.
Zach Collins, out since December 27 with a right toe sprain, has appeared in only ten games this season. Noa Essengue is also out following left shoulder surgery.
The rookie from France played just two games before his season was cut short in December. Lastly, Anfernee Simons is sidelined with a left wrist sprain, which forced him to exit the game against the Pistons early after just 13 minutes on the court.
As both teams face off, the Knicks aim to maintain their momentum, while the Bulls are desperate to break their losing streak. This matchup promises to be an intriguing battle, with both squads dealing with significant absences.