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Fri, Jan 30 · 1:00 AM UTC · United Center
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Thu, Jan 29 · 4:35 PM UTC
Summary

This crucial Eastern Conference play-in matchup between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls is heavily impacted by significant injuries on both sides, with the Bulls being more severely affected. Despite the Heat's recent defensive struggles, they enter as slight favorites, having dominated their only previous encounter this season. The game is expected to be a slow-paced, grind-it-out affair, with vital playoff seeding implications on the line.

Key Points
  • The Chicago Bulls are significantly more impacted by injuries, missing seven players including key playmaker Josh Giddey, while the Miami Heat are without Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier.
  • This is the first of three vital consecutive games between the 8th-seed Heat and 10th-seed Bulls, with only 1.5 games separating them in the Eastern Conference play-in race.
  • The Miami Heat previously secured a dominant 143-107 victory over the Bulls in their only head-to-head matchup this season.
  • The Heat have struggled defensively in January, allowing at least 120 points in nine games, leading to a 2-7 record in those contests.
  • The game is anticipated to be a slow-paced, physical 'grind' due to the extensive injury lists affecting both teams' rotations.
Team Form
Chicago Bulls
Record0-0
Last 5N/A
StreakLost 1
HomeHome: 0-0
cold
VS
Miami Heat
Record0-0
Last 5N/A
StreakLost 1
AwayAway: 0-0
cold

No specific analysis provided for this matchup yet.

Injury Report
Chicago Bulls high impact
  • Josh Giddey out Hamstring
  • Jalen Smith out Concussion
  • Zach Collins out Toe
  • Kevin Huerter out Back
  • Tre Jones out Hamstring
  • Emanuel Miller out Hamstring
  • Noa Essengue out Shoulder
Miami Heat medium impact
  • Tyler Herro out Rib/Toe
  • Terry Rozier out Unspecified
  • Davion Mitchell questionable Shoulder
  • Kel'el Ware questionable Hamstring

The Chicago Bulls are significantly more affected by injuries, with seven players, including key playmaker Josh Giddey, ruled out for the game. The Miami Heat are also impacted, missing key players Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, with Davion Mitchell and Kel'el Ware listed as questionable.

Head-to-Head
Recent Meetings 1-0 favoring Miami Heat
Trend Miami Heat won the most recent meeting

The Miami Heat won the only head-to-head matchup this season against the Chicago Bulls with a dominant 143-107 victory on November 22nd. This single result suggests Miami had a significant offensive advantage in their previous encounter.

Betting Lines
Spread Chicago Bulls +1.5
Total O/U 240.5
Moneyline Chicago Bulls +100 / Miami Heat -120
Movement Information on line movement from opening is not available.

The current betting odds show the Miami Heat as slight favorites with a -1.5 point spread and a moneyline of -120. The Chicago Bulls are the underdog at +1.5 and a moneyline of +100. The total for the game is set at 240.5 points. There is no information available regarding any significant line movement from the opening odds.

Prediction
Miami Heat
medium confidence

The Miami Heat are favored and previously secured a dominant 143-107 victory against the Bulls this season. While both teams are dealing with significant injuries, the Bulls are more severely impacted, missing key playmakers like Josh Giddey, which could hinder their offensive flow. Despite Miami's recent defensive struggles, the overall context suggests they have an edge.