The Chicago Bulls (39-43) and Miami Heat (37-45) will face off in an NBA Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. EDT in Chicago. The winner of this game will move on to the next round and compete for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Both teams are around .500 so this should be a tough battle between two teams trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Bulls Look to Continue Strong Run
The Bulls have shown flashes this season, especially against Eastern Conference teams where they’re 28-24. One of their strengths has been their 3-point shooting. Chicago is 3rd in the league with 15.4 3s made per game and 36.7% from 3. Coby White has been a big contributor with 2.9 3s per game at 37.0%.
The Bulls have been on fire offensively lately, averaging 121.4 points per game over their last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic has been a steady presence in the paint with 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Kevin Huerter has been a spark off the bench with 2.4 3s per game during that stretch.
But injuries could be a factor. Lonzo Ball is day-to-day with a wrist issue and Tre Jones and Josh Giddey are also dealing with injuries. The Bulls need everyone available to step up to get this big win.
Heat Hoping to Ride Hot Streak
Despite struggling at times this season, the Heat have shown toughness, especially on the defensive end. They’re 9th in the league with 33.7 defensive rebounds per game thanks to Bam Adebayo on the glass. Adebayo grabs 7.2 rebounds per game and anchors the Heat’s interior defense.Tyler Herro has been on fire offensively, averaging 22.5 points and 3.9 rebounds over his last 10 games. Andrew Wiggins has been consistent with 18.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. If the Heat are going to win, they need both to bring it.
Miami has its own injury issues. Key players Andrew Wiggins (hamstring), Alec Burks (back) and Nikola Jovic (hand) are day-to-day. And Kevin Love is dealing with personal matters so the roster is a little thin heading into this big game.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Nikola Vucevic vs. Bam Adebayo: This battle in the paint will decide the game. Both big men are board controllers and playmakers.
- Tyler Herro vs. Coby White: These two guards can get hot and light it up from deep. Whoever gets going first will swing momentum.
Injury Updates Impacting the Game
For the Bulls:
- Ayo Dosunmu out for the season with a shoulder injury.
- Lonzo Ball, Tre Jones and Josh Giddey questionable with wrist, foot and forearm issues respectively.
For the Heat:
- Dru Smith out for the year with an Achilles injury.
- Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens, Alec Burks, Nikola Jovic, Kevin Love and Andrew Wiggins day-to-day with various injuries.
What’s on the Line?
This game is more than just advancing—it’s about pride and proving people wrong. For the Bulls it’s an opportunity to shut up the doubters who think they can’t compete in the playoffs. For the Heat it’s a chance to prove their regular season was just a blip.
With the line at -1 and over/under 219 the sportsbook expects a close game. Fans can expect a fast paced, physical game with a lot of drama.