Lenny Del Genio
25* East Conf Game of the YEAR!
Play on Chicago at 8:35 ET. Aft first, this probably looked like an overlay to you. After all, this will be just the eighth time this season Chicago has been favored by eight or more points. They are just 2-5 ATS to date in that role. However, the Bulls were favored by eight last time out and did manage to cover against New Jersey. This game sets up even better. While Chicago (winners of 8 of its last 11) is playing its best ball of the season, New York is playing some of its worst. Yes, the Knicks come off a SU dog win over Toronto, but they had lost 10 of their previous 11 before that. Bulls have revenge from a four-point loss in MSG back in January. They have actually failed to cover three straight times vs. New York, giving us that "just due" factor. Most importantly, the Knicks are back to playing no defense as they are allowing a conference worst 108.2 PPG. Chicago has covered 11 of its last 14 home games. Before the New Jersey win, they had shot 50% or better in four straight games and seven of its last nine. Against such a bad defensive club like the Knicks, look for the hot shooting to continue. Chicago is our 25* Eastern Conference Game of the Year.