The New York Knicks will visit the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, February 22, with both teams holding the key injuries that could shape the Eastern Conference game at United Center.
New York comes into the game at 36-21, third in the East, while Chicago is in 12th place at 24-33 and trying to halt an eight-game losing streak.
The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson, who is sidelined due to a left ankle injury. 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 absent following pelvic floor muscle surgery. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 12.9 points and 2.9 three-pointers per game while shooting 42.0% from beyond the arc, production that has freed up Jalen Brunson.
Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar Jr. remain absent 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 several rotation players.
Anfernee Simons is out with a sprained left wrist. The guard has averaged 15.2 points since being traded to Chicago earlier this month and provides perimeter shot creation that the Bulls have struggled to replace.
Jaden Ivey is sidelined due to left patellofemoral pain syndrome. Zach Collins is out with a right toe sprain, and Noa Essengue remains unavailable after left shoulder surgery.
Nick Richards is listed as questionable with right foot soreness. The center is averaging 8.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 19.4 minutes, providing space behind Jalen Smith, who is posting 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Patrick Williams is likely despite a left hand contusion. He’s averaging 6.9 points in 19.3 minutes and could see a bigger role if Richards can’t play.
The Bulls will rely heavily on Josh Giddey, who averages 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists, and 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.
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