The New York Knicks face another crucial matchup. As expected, all attention focuses on Jalen Brunson, who didn’t have a productive three-point contest performance at the All-Star. The star guard propels his team forward through excellent defense and offensive numbers of 26.1 points combined with 7.5 assists per game. He has reached elite standards in his play, but the situation requires him to perform at an even higher level.

Why? The injury situation has led to many players missing games during this match. The Knicks suffer numerous injuries, creating a shifting player rotation while Brunson faces an additional weight in contribution to the team’s success. Jalen’s the main man at MSG. Everyone looks up to him to lead the team. So, can he turn in another standout performance against the Chicago Bulls who are a meany bunch to play with?

Knicks’ Depth Takes a Hit – Who’s In, Who’s Out?

If they had hoped to be at full strength, they aren’t. The latest setback? Patellofemoral syndrome (runner’s knee) officially knocks Josh Hart out. If you know Hart, you know this is a tough one. Impressively, he shoots 14.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. On top of that, the efficiency in shooting the ball stands him apart with over 55.6%. The hustle, the defensive intensity, the want to do whatever the team needed, call Josh Hart, and he delivers!

Also, OG Anunoby’s status remains uncertain as well. It’s a lingering foot sprain he’s been nursing and if he can’t suit up, that’s another elite defender out of the rotation. Meanwhile, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is still out, and the Knicks would have needed him big-time in the paint tonight. Pacome Dadiet is also out because of the G-League.

The Bulls, though, aren’t exactly at full strength either. Patrick Williams is sidelined with a knee injury, and they just waived Adama Sanogo, who’s been out for weeks. But here’s the difference—Chicago is making moves. They’ve locked in Jahmir Young, a G-League standout who’s set to sign a two-way contract.

Young has been lighting up the G-League, averaging 22.6 points and 7.7 assists, but he’s not expected to play a big role just yet. Instead, the Bulls will lean on their established core—Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Nikola Vucevic—to take advantage of New York’s depleted lineup. If they pass the ball and take the game to the Knicks, the Bulls remain competitive to cause an upset.

 Game Plan: Who Steps Up Around Jalen Brunson?

So, how do the Knicks adjust with Hart out and Anunoby questionable? Expect them to shake things up, with Mikal Bridges sliding to shooting guard while Precious Achiuwa fills in at small forward if Anunoby can’t go.

Projected Knicks Starting Lineup:

• PG: Jalen Brunson
• SG: Mikal Bridges
• SF: Precious Achiuwa (if Anunoby sits)
• PF: Jacob Toppin
• C: Karl-Anthony Towns

This group has plenty of offensive firepower, but defense could be an issue. Without Hart and possibly Anunoby, Brunson might have to pick up more defensive assignments, which could wear him down over 48 minutes.

On the other side, the Bulls have the personnel to make life tough for New York. Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball bring length and defensive IQ in the backcourt, and you can bet Chicago will try to force the ball out of Brunson’s hands.

Projected Bulls Starting Lineup:

• PG: Josh Giddey
• SG: Lonzo Ball
• SF: Coby White
• PF: Ayo Dosunmu
• C: Nikola Vucevic

The last time these teams met, Chicago torched the Knicks from deep, hitting over 54% from three. Coby White led the charge with a ridiculous 9-for-11 performance from beyond the arc, so expect the Bulls to lean into that same strategy—spacing the floor and pushing the pace.

Here’s the thing—Brunson loves playing the Bulls. In 15 career matchups, Jalen Brunson has put up 23.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, and with Chicago lacking a true lockdown perimeter defender, he could dominate this matchup. When he gets going, he’s a player who can run rings around the defense.

But this won’t be easy. The Bulls are fighting for playoff positioning, and with White’s hot shooting, Vucevic’s inside presence, and Lonzo’s playmaking, they’ve got the tools to make this a dogfight.

For the Knicks, it’s all about whether Brunson can keep up his elite shot-making while setting up his teammates. If Karl-Anthony Towns can stretch the floor and Mikal Bridges stay efficient, New York might just have enough to pull this off. Or… will the injuries be too much? Will the Bulls smell blood and capitalize on a shorthanded Knicks squad?