Game thread: New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls 5:00p 2/29/2020 [Game #60]

rady

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(20-39) -- (17-42)

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Madison Square Garden, New York, NYMSG5:00 PM EST

Game Preview

The Chicago Bulls have lost nine of their past 10 games entering Saturday's visit to the New York Knicks, but the team might at last be gaining an important piece of its rotation.

Center Wendell Carter Jr., out since Jan. 6 with a high ankle sprain, estimated he has an "80 to 90 percent chance" of being part of the rotation at Madison Square Garden. He likely will be under a minutes restriction when he returns.

"It's been pretty frustrating because I've been wanting to get back out there right after All-Star break, but I knew it was going to be a process," Carter said. "So, just getting my wind back. They told me (the ankle) is not going to be 100 percent perfect when I come back. Just moreso getting my strength back in my ankle because I haven't been playing for over a month now. It's going to be a little bit weak but continuing to play, continuing to put more stress on it is going to make it stronger."

Long-range shooting specialist Denzel Valentine, out for the past seven games with a hamstring injury, also could be back for the Bulls, coach Jim Boylen said.

The injury news that came from Thursday's practice wasn't all sunny, however. Rookie guard Coby White injured his back during warm-ups before the workout and did not practice. White has scored at least 33 points off the bench in the past three games and was set to undergo additional treatment Friday before the team determines his status for the Knicks' game.

The Bulls also announced that Luke Kornet will miss the next six to eight weeks with a severe left ankle sprain and left foot fracture.

New York has lost six straight after opening February with four straight wins. Saturday marks the beginning of a five-game homestand for the Knicks, who are 8-20 at the Garden.

The Knicks contended with injury issues of their own during Thursday's 115-106 loss at Philadelphia. After taking an elbow to the head in the first half, Dennis Smith Jr. did not return to the game. Frank Ntilikina missed this third straight game with an injured groin, while former Bulls forward Taj Gibson (back) also was held out.

Julius Randle earned his 25th double-double for the Knicks, registering 30 points and 10 rebounds. New York outscored Philadelphia by six after halftime.

"The big thing that we're looking at as a staff is how well we're playing just collectively and what we're doing. ... They went out, got some stops, and scored a little bit and were right back in the game," Knicks interim coach Mike Miller said.

Veteran guard Zach LaVine has remained a constant for the Bulls, starting each of the club's 59 games while averaging a team-best 25.5 points and 34.7 minutes.

LaVine is coming off a 41-point effort in Tuesday's 124-122 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. His six 40-point games this season rank fifth in the league.

The Knicks and Bulls split their first two meetings this season but haven't squared off in nearly four months. Each team has won on its home floor, with the Knicks defeating the Bulls 105-98 at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 28 before Chicago responded with a 120-102 rout at United Center on Nov. 12.

The Bulls lead the all-time series 123-108, but the Knicks are 66-45 in games played at home.

Chicago is set to host New York on March 28 to conclude the season series.

(Field Level Media / cbssports.com)
 

mafra

Legend
Barrett and MRob giving us our money?s worth. Knicks owning paint but too many turnovers. RJ with 2 threes.
 

mafra

Legend
RJ with 17-3-2 at the half! His peers can?t handle this man... just wait until he?s 25!!!

RJ 3-3 from downtown... White is 1-4.

MRob with 12-5-1-1-1...
 

tiger0330

Legend
Knicks up 66-53 at the half. RJ 3-3 from 3, 7-8 overall for 17 pts. Highlight play on his last 3 to end the half, dribbles the ball at the 3 pt line, Zach gives him a cushion respecting his drive. He drives to the basket, Zach backs off, he passes the 3 pt line but then steps back and drills the 3. Never saw him do that, new wrinkle in his game that will be a weapon if he can nail the jump shot consistently.
 

mafra

Legend
Colby White the first 1st rounder drafted out of UNC by CHI since MJ... 35 years in between the two selections.
 

Kiyaman

Legend
Missed the first half .. I was hoping Miller would play all the young-core players in the rotation vs the 20-39 Bulls
 
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