The Bulls have yet to win an NBA Cup game after going 0-4 in last year’s group stage, a dismal run that was punctuated by a 124-97 blowout at the hands of the Boston Celtics. They were seeded for a consecutive year in East Group C, which once again includes the Celtics in addition to the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards.

As one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have sputtered out of the gate to a 5-5 record. New acquisition Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team with 24.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, forming a dynamic duo with point guard Jalen Brunson (24.3 points per game).

With Lonzo Ball out and dealing with an adductor injury (but expected to play), Chicago arrives with questions to answer. The biggest issues are on the defensive end, where the visitors are allowing 120.2 ppg this season — fourth-most in the NBA.