Tip-off: Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Chicago -6.5, Total: 204

The Bulls and Knicks both come into Tuesday’s game riding seven-game win streaks, with Chicago looking to lock down an all-important playoff positioning.

Chicago has won 19 out of 21 to earn the No. 1 seed, which clinches home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Bulls now have their eye on the NBA’s overall best record, which would give them home court throughout the entire playoffs including the NBA Finals. Chicago is one game back on the Western Conference-leading Spurs with New York to play Tuesday night and New Jersey on Wednesday. Derrick Rose (25.1 PPG) keeps making his push for MVP with performances like he had in the 102-99 win Sunday at Orlando by dropping 39 points on 13-for-17 shooting. With Amar’e Stoudemire likely out for Tuesday’s game, look for Carlos Boozer (17.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG) to have a big game scoring and on the boards against an undersized Knicks frontcourt.

After losing six in a row, the Knicks have put together a nice seven-game win streak and would love to keep it up heading into the playoffs. The Knicks have already clinched the sixth seed and a date with the Boston Celtics. New York is surprisingly also looking to sweep the season series versus Chicago for the first time in 11 years. The two teams haven’t played since the 103-95 Christmas day win for the Knicks, but a lot has changed since then. The Knicks hadn’t yet acquired leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (25.6 PPG), and the Bulls were without an injured Joakim Noah. Anthony hit the go-ahead shot in the 110-109 victory at Indiana Sunday then also blocked Danny Granger’s shot as time expired. Anthony has been playing inspired ball, averaging 31.5 PPG over his past eight games and also been playing noticeably better defense. Anthony will have to continue to take on the scoring with Stoudemire likely out to rest a sprained ankle.

Chicago (48-31 ATS) and New York (46-32 ATS) rank second and third, respectively, against the spread among all NBA teams. Chicago has been great on the road (24-16 ATS) and even better against teams with winning records (21-11 ATS). The Bulls, who are second in the NBA in defense (allowing 91.3 PPG), frustrate opposing high-scoring teams and consequently are 23-12 ATS against teams that score 99.0 PPG or more. The Knicks haven’t been all that great against the spread at home (20-19 ATS), likely due to the high expectation of the Madison Square Garden crowd. New York has been good against teams with winning records (23-11 ATS), but is just 6-11 ATS against Central Division opponents. I don’t think there is any way New York will keep Chicago off the boards without Stoudemire. I like Chicago to win and cover on the road, which is supported by these two anti-Knicks FoxSheets trends.

Play Against - Any team (NEW YORK) - after 6 or more consecutive wins, tired team - playing 6 or more games in 10 days. (98-57 over the last 5 seasons.) (63.2%, +35.3 units. Rating = 2*).

Play Against - Home underdogs (NEW YORK) - poor defensive team - allowing 99+ points/game on the season, after a close win by 3 points or less. (52-22 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.3%, +27.8 units. Rating = 2*).