Injuries plague the Bulls as they face a healthier Heat squad. Can Chicago overcome their woes and a historical mental block?
The Chicago Bulls return to the United Center for a back-to-back clash against the Miami Heat, looking to rebound after a tough road loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
The Bulls are currently mired in a three-game skid, largely fueled by a wave of injuries to key players Josh Giddey, Coby White and Zach Collins. While White briefly returned to the lineup, a recurring right calf injury forced him back to the sidelines for the Pistons game. Those absences were felt deeply on both ends of the floor; despite their resilience through three quarters, the Bulls struggled to protect the rim and lost momentum late against a Detroit side playing without Cade Cunningham, leaving Matas Buzelis’ interior growth as the only bright spot that serves the Bulls Nation.
Meanwhile, the Heat appear to have found their stride after a grueling December. After losing eight of thirteen games — including a five-game losing streak — Miami closed the year strong, winning five of its last seven. They are led by the 32-year-old Norman Powell, who is making a compelling case for his first All-Star nod. Powell is currently averaging a career-high 24.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting over 42% from beyond the arc.
Recent history suggests the Heat are a significant mental hurdle for Chicago. Beyond a lopsided loss to Miami in the NBA Cup contest, the Bulls are still haunted by their Play-In tournament exit at the hands of the Heat last year. Both teams rely heavily on depth, with Chicago and Miami ranking second and fourth in bench scoring, respectively. While Miami has dealt with its own injury woes, Erik Spoelstra has proven adept at maximizing his rotation and finding winning pathways from deep on his bench.
With many stalwarts being available to go and Jaime Jaquez Jr. being upgraded as "probable" for tonight's battle, the Heat will play with nearly a full-strength. The Bulls' defense will be tested even further at the United Center.
How to Watch
Miami Heat (20-17) @ Chicago Bulls (17-20)
Location: United Center | Chicago, Ill.
Tipoff: Thursday, 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Chicago Sports Network (Bulls) | FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Heat) | NBA TV
Radio: 670 The Score (Bulls) | 560 WQMA (Heat)
Streams: FuboTV, NBA League Pass
Line: -5.5 (Heat)
Over/Under: 241.5
Injury Report
Bulls:
- Zach Collins: Out (Sprained Right Big Toe)
- Noa Essengue: Out (Left Shoulder Surgery)
- Josh Giddey: Out (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Kevin Huerter: Questionable (Back Injury)
- Yuki Kawamura: Out (G League/Two-Way)
- Jalen Smith: Out (Concussion)
Heat:
- Vladislav Goldin: Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Probable (Right Ankle Sprain)
- Jahmir Young: Out (G League - Two-Way)