The Bulls have lost three straight and could still be reeling from a last-second loss to Portland on a 3-pointer by Damian Lillard. The Knicks also have cooled down from their promising start, with losses in four of their last five following a three-game winning streak. Tom Thibodeau is six years removed from having coached the Bulls so it's not as if there will be some motivational edge for New York in this game. The Bull shave the superior firepower and should pull away Monday.

The Bulls are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games playing on one day's rest, and Monday's matchup with the Knicks sets up well to extend that trend. New York put forth a huge effort Sunday, losing at home to the Clippers in a game that was close in the fourth quarter, then got on a plane to Chicago. The Bulls, meanwhile, have been stewing on their heartbreaking loss to the Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Lay the points.

My model says the Knicks cover in almost 70 percent of the simulations, so you're getting strong value with this number. New York isn't in an ideal spot as it takes to the road after losing by 14 points at home a day earlier. But the Bulls are in the midst of a five-game homestand that has begun with three straight defeats, two of which were by double digits. If Chicago does happen to end its slide, it will be with a close decision. Take the Knicks and the points.