The NBA's midseason tournament kicks off tonight as the Chicago Bulls host the New York Knicks. This will be one of four pool play games, followed by a single-elimination tournament between the top seed from each grouping and two wild card spots. Chicago enters the meeting with a 4-0 record, something that nobody saw coming. Through their first week, many are attributing the wins to horrendous three-point shooting from the opposition, off-nights from the other team's All-Star talents, and sheer luck. While those statements might be somewhat truthful, there's no denying that as one of four remaining undefeated teams in the league, the Bulls have turned a new page. Without Zach LaVine for the first time in eight years, and with Josh Giddey at the helm, can this team make a real statement tonight against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference?
Knicks Getting Fully Healthy
Coby White, one of the most potent scoring and playmaking options in Chicago, remains out for at least another week. Zach Collins also remains sidelined, and the Bulls have suffered at the backup center position in his absence. The Knicks were without Miles McBride for the last week, and have been without Mitchell Robinson the entire year, until tonight. Both are expected to make their returns in the most crucial game of the season thus far. Robinson in the lineup creates significant matchup issues for the Bulls because it means Nikola Vucevic will draw that matchup, leaving Matas Buzelis to guard the taller and stronger Karl-Anthony Towns. Last time he pulled a similar assignment, it was Paulo Banchero, and Buzelis fouled out with only 12 minutes of action.
Good chance the Knicks have their full squad active vs. the Bulls tonight. Deuce McBride & Mitchell Robinson are expected to play. pic.twitter.com/o6btcMhHT2
— CP "The Fanchise" (@CPTheFanchise) October 31, 2025
The make-or-break matchup of the night instantly becomes Buzelis versus Towns. If the Knicks' versatile big man can do anything close to what Banchero or Kristaps Porzingis did to Chicago, it might be a long night in the Windy City.
True Test Of Legitimacy
A fully healthy New York Knicks squad is one of the best teams in the NBA. Tonight will be the most daunting and challenging task for the Bulls, and it will heavily determine whether the team is a genuine contender or a scrappy bunch that will sneak out a few upsets but ultimately miss the playoffs and land in the draft lottery. Even though the group is 4-0, many are assuming the latter. Today represents a massive opportunity to put the entire league on notice and officially stamp the Chicago Bulls as an Eastern Conference contender.
If the Chicago Bulls beat the New York Knicks tonight serious sit down conversations simply must be had
— Justin Talks Hoops (@J_Talks_Hoops) October 31, 2025
Can Buzelis rise to the occasion in his biggest challenge yet? Will Giddey and Vucevic continue to be the backbone offensively? At 7:00 PM tonight, all questions will be answered, and a new tone will be set for the future.
