New York can erase a deficit with Brunson's creation and second chances, while Chicago has enough handlers to keep producing a reply. The key stretch comes after the first Knicks run, when Chicago must finish a defensive possession and find a clean next shot. New Orleans and Utah offer a different contest, centered on repeated paint access against a thinner interior rotation. Both games depend on whether early control becomes a finished stop.
Chicago has Giddey moving the ball and Powell and Wilson finishing from different spots. New York's comeback in their first meeting needed an exceptional outside night and repeated extra shots; Hart, who helped rebound and close out, is now out after playing the Knicks' last game. Smith played Chicago's last game and is probable, giving its quick attack another frontcourt outlet. Chicago's late response in the first meeting is enough to make me side with the Bulls to stay in range.
New Orleans reached the paint repeatedly against Utah even when Jackson played. Williamson and Fears can lead that attack, with Queen and Matković adding another interior route. Jackson and Nurkić are out for Utah; Murphy played New Orleans' last game and is questionable, while Jones and Bey remain part of its wing response. Utah's recent offensive boards have not consistently become good finishes, and the Pelicans have several ways to score through the middle. That's why I'm siding with New Orleans.
