Every time the Chicago Bulls seem to be making a run, the spark inevitably meets a cold bucket of water.
After a gut-wrenching late-game collapse against the Indiana Pacers, Bulls Nation was left in a familiar state of stunned silence, quickly replaced by anger-venting directly to the front office. With the February 5th trade deadline just one week away, the front office, remaining stagnant around the trade rumor buzz, is being tested like never before. Fans aren't just asking for a win; they’re demanding a direction. Whether "turning it around" means a desperate claw-back to .500 or finally accepting a rebuild, the clock is ticking on a roster that remains mediocre.
Tonight brings a familiar ghost to the United Center: the Miami Heat. This isn’t just another Eastern Conference matchup; it’s a grudge match against the team that has brutally dismantled Chicago’s playoff dreams at the Play-In gate for three consecutive seasons.
The irony also lies on the table. With the Bulls (23-24) currently in 10th and the Heat (25-23) at 8th, a fourth straight meeting might be inevitable.
With Josh Giddey, who is listed as questionable for tonight, and Coby White logging heavy minutes and looking for their second consecutive back-to-back feature, the rotation decision might be a key course for Billy Donovan. If that has to be adjusted, we will expect a heavy dose of Ayo Dosunmu tonight. And don’t forget about the two-way trio, Lachlan Olbrich, Yuki Kawamura and Emmanuel Miller, who are standing by for potential callups.
How to Watch
Chicago Bulls (23-24) vs. Miami Heat (25-23)
Location: United Center | Chicago, IL
Tipoff: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN+), FDSSUN | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King
Radio: WSCR AM 670 | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Betting Odds (FanDuel)
Betting Line: Heat -2
Moneyline: Heat -130, Bulls +110
Over/Under: 239.5
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Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
- Noa Essengue: Out (Left Shoulder Surgery)
- Zach Collins: Out (Right Big Toe)
- Tre Jones: Out (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Josh Giddey: Questionable (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Jalen Smith: Probable (Right Back Tightness)
- Yuki Kawamura: Questionable (G League/Two-Way)
- Emanuel Miller: Questionable (G League/Two-Way)
Miami Heat
- Tyler Herro: Out (Right Costochondral; Injury to the Ribs)
- Davion Mitchell: Out (Adductor)
- Norman Powell: Probable (Low Back Tightness)
- Kel'el Ware: Probable (Right Hamstring Strain)
Last Game Starters
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers (Jan. 28)
- G Ayo Dosunmu
- G Coby White
- F Isaac Okoro
- F Matas Buzelis
- C Nikola Vucevic
Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic (Jan. 28)
- G Kasparas Jakucionis
- G Pelle Larsson
- F Norman Powell
- F Andrew Wiggins
- C Bam Adebayo