The Chicago Bulls will host the Miami Heat in an Eastern Conference play-in game at the United Center on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET. Chicago finished 39-43 on the season, while Miami went 37-45. The winner will move on to play for the 8-seed in the NBA Playoffs.
This is the fourth meeting of the season between these teams. The Bulls have won all three games, including a 119-111 victory on April 9. Despite the sweep, the Bulls are dealing with backcourt injuries, and the Heat have more playoff experience on their roster.
Bulls Preview – Giddey Looks to Stay Hot Despite Injuries
Josh Giddey has been the Bulls’ best all-around player in the second half. He is averaging over 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists per game since the All-Star break. Against the Heat, he has dominated with three straight near triple-doubles while shooting over 50 percent from deep.
The Bulls are getting strong help from Kevin Huerter, who scored 18 points in limited minutes last game. Nikola Vucevic remains a steady presence inside with 8 rebounds per game and nearly 15 points on the season. Rookie forwards Julian Phillips and Matas Buzelis are also seeing more playing time with the backcourt short-handed.
Chicago ranks near league average in shooting and rebounding but struggles to defend. They give up over 119 points per game and rank near the bottom in several defensive categories. They are 21-20 at home and have been good against the spread, going 44-37-1 on the season.
Heat Preview – Can Herro and Adebayo Push Miami Through?
The Heat come into this game with some rest, as key players sat out the season finale. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will be back in the lineup and have both played well against the Bulls this season. Herro averages nearly 24 points per game overall and is also posting career-highs in assists and rebounds.
Bam Adebayo is Miami’s best inside player, scoring 18 points and grabbing 9.6 rebounds per game. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. is coming off a 41-point game and could be another scoring option if Chicago focuses too much on Herro and Adebayo. The Heat also have veteran shooters like Duncan Robinson and Haywood Highsmith in the mix.
Miami plays a slower pace and relies on half-court defense. They are one of the best in the league at limiting three-point shots. However, their overall defense has slipped late in the year, and they have lost four of their last six games heading into this one.
Betting Prediction
The Bulls are slight 1.5-point favorites at home. They have covered the spread in 20 of their last 27 games. Even with injuries, their offense has been productive, and they’ve beaten Miami three straight times this season.
Miami has the edge in playoff experience and has played well early in games. But the Bulls have momentum, and Giddey’s production has been a big factor. If he plays well again, Chicago should win and cover. Predicted score: Bulls 115, Heat 109.
Pick: Chicago Bulls -1.5 over Miami Heat
Take the Bulls to down the Heat on Wednesday.
