Knicks and Bulls Clash in NBA Cup Opener Amid Injury Uncertainty
The New York Knicks are hitting the road again, and this time, they’re in Chicago to take on the red-hot Bulls as the NBA Cup group stage begins. For fans, it’s not just another regular-season matchup — this one carries a little extra weight, with both teams eager to start strong in the league’s in-season tournament.
The Knicks enter the game at 2–2 after falling to the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week. Despite the loss, Jalen Brunson was absolutely on fire, putting up 36 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out three assists. Mikal Bridges added a strong performance as well, with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. But after that tough loss in Milwaukee, New York will be determined to bounce back in Chicago.
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The Bulls, on the other hand, couldn’t have asked for a better start to their season. They come into this matchup undefeated at 4–0, fresh off a convincing win against the Sacramento Kings. Rookie Matas Buzelis led the way in that one with 27 points and five rebounds, while Josh Giddey flirted with a triple-double — dropping 20 points, pulling down eight rebounds, and handing out 12 assists. It’s safe to say the Bulls are feeling confident, and the home crowd at the United Center will be buzzing.
But both sides are dealing with a few injury concerns heading into Friday night. For the Knicks, star center Karl-Anthony Towns has been listed as probable due to a quad strain, though all signs point to him suiting up. Guerschon Yabusele, who’s nursing a sore knee, has also been upgraded to probable. There’s even more good news for Knicks fans — Mitchell Robinson, who’s been sidelined with an ankle issue, has been upgraded to questionable, and there’s a chance he makes his season debut. On top of that, Miles “Deuce” McBride is set to return after missing two games for personal reasons.
The Bulls, meanwhile, won’t be at full strength. Coby White remains out with a calf strain, keeping him sidelined for yet another game. Zach Collins is also unavailable as he continues to recover from wrist surgery. Even so, Chicago’s depth has been impressive so far, and they’ll look to extend their unbeaten run without two key contributors.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern from Chicago, and it’s shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the NBA Cup’s group stage. The Knicks will be eager to reset after a tough loss, while the Bulls aim to make a statement with their fifth straight win. One thing’s for sure — both teams know this game could set the tone for the rest of their tournament run.
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