bulls vs knicks

Bulls vs Knicks: Why This NBA Rivalry Is Heating Up Ahead of the October 31 Showdown

The New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls rivalry isn’t just another regular-season matchup in the NBA — it’s a clash of two franchises with deep roots, passionate fanbases, and a history of dramatic moments. But as the two teams prepare to face off on October 31, 2024, the stakes feel higher than usual — not just for playoff positioning, but for momentum, momentum, and, for some fans, a shot at big wins thanks to a limited-time betting offer making waves across Australia and beyond.

With FanDuel’s latest promo code — wager $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins — now live for the Knicks vs Bulls game, the buzz has reached fever pitch. Add in injury updates, live streaming options, and a packed schedule, and this Halloween night clash is shaping up to be one of the most-watched games of the early 2024–25 NBA season.

Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and what fans (and bettors) should know.

The Big Story: A High-Octane Matchup with Real Stakes

On Thursday, October 31, the Chicago Bulls will host the New York Knicks at the United Center in Chicago — a venue that’s seen its fair share of iconic battles between these two Eastern Conference rivals. This game isn’t just about points and rebounds; it’s about early-season momentum, playoff seeding implications, and national attention.

According to Goal.com, the game will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, with streaming options available for fans in Australia via NBA League Pass and other international partners. The start time is set for 7:00 PM CT (11:00 AM AEDT on November 1) — perfect timing for Aussie basketball fans to catch the action during the morning coffee break.

But beyond the schedule, the real story is in the betting surge. The New York Post recently highlighted a FanDuel promo code that’s turning heads: “Wager $5, get $300 in bonus bets — if your bet wins.” This isn’t a standard free bet — it’s a performance-based incentive, meaning you only get the bonus if your initial $5 bet is successful. For savvy bettors in Australia (where sports betting is legal and booming), this offer adds serious value to an already high-stakes game.

“This promo is a game-changer for casual fans and seasoned bettors alike,” says a sports betting analyst at BettingInsider AU. “It rewards smart picks, not just participation. With the Knicks and Bulls both showing early promise, the risk-reward ratio is compelling.”

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Here’s the latest verified information from trusted sources, updated as of late October 2024.

1. FanDuel Promo Code: Wager $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets (If Your Bet Wins)

• Source: New York Post (link)
• Details: This exclusive offer is only valid for the Knicks vs Bulls game on October 31. To qualify, users must:
• Register or log in to FanDuel (available internationally, including Australia via VPN and local payment methods).
• Place a $5 real-money bet on any market (moneyline, spread, player props, etc.).
• If the bet wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets (non-withdrawable, must be used within 7 days).
• Note: This is not a guaranteed bonus — it’s conditional on your bet being correct. But for those confident in their picks, it’s one of the most generous offers of the season.

2. Injury Report: Key Players Under Watch

• Source: Rookie Wire (link)
• New York Knicks:
• Julius Randle (PF): Listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Missed the last two games. His absence would be a massive blow to the Knicks’ interior scoring and rebounding.
• Mitchell Robinson (C): Out — still recovering from ankle surgery. The Knicks’ defense suffers without his rim protection.
• Jalen Brunson (PG): Probable — minor knee soreness, but expected to play.
• Chicago Bulls:
• Zach LaVine (SG): Day-to-day — dealing with a sore right wrist. His shooting and scoring are critical to the Bulls’ offense.
• Nikola Vučević (C): Probable — managing a minor back issue, but expected to suit up.
• Lonzo Ball (PG): Out indefinitely — still rehabbing from knee surgery. His absence continues to limit the Bulls’ backcourt depth.

“Injuries are always a wildcard,” says Rookie Wire’s NBA analyst. “If Randle sits, the Knicks lose 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. If LaVine isn’t 100%, the Bulls lose their best shot-creator.”

3. How to Watch: Live Stream, TV, and Start Time

• Source: Goal.com (link)
• TV Broadcast (US): ESPN
• Live Streaming (Australia):
• NBA League Pass (primary option, with full game replays and multi-cam views)
• Kayo Sports (via NBA partnership, includes commentary and analysis)
• Foxtel (limited availability)
• Start Time: 7:00 PM CT (Chicago) = 11:00 AM AEDT (November 1)

For Aussie fans, this means a morning watch party — perfect for social media buzz, group streams, and even office water-cooler debates.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Rivalry Still Matters

The Bulls vs Knicks rivalry dates back to the 1990s, when Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dominated the NBA and the Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, were their fiercest Eastern Conference challengers. The 1990s playoffs — especially the 1994 and 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals — were brutal, physical, and emotionally charged.

While the intensity has cooled since then, the rivalry never truly died. Both teams are perennial playoff contenders, and their matchups often have playoff implications. In recent years, the Knicks have re-emerged as a competitive force under Tom Thibodeau, while the Bulls have rebuilt around a core of young talent (Coby White, Patrick Williams) and veterans (LaVine, Vučević).

Key Historical Moments:

• 1994 ECF Game 7: The Knicks beat the Bulls 87–77 in a defensive slugfest, ending Chicago’s three-peat hopes (without Jordan, who was playing baseball).
• 2013 Playoffs: The Knicks swept the Bulls in Round 1, with Carmelo Anthony leading the way.
• 2023 Regular Season: The Knicks won 3 of 4 meetings, including a 116–110 OT thriller at Madison Square Garden.

“The Bulls-Knicks games always have a different energy,” says former NBA coach and ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy. “It’s not just about talent — it’s about pride, history, and the pressure of playing in front of two of the most passionate fanbases in the league.”