Jan. 8, 2026, 6:38 a.m. ET

The Miami Heat (20-17) face the Chicago Bulls (17-20) Thursday in Chicago, Illinois. Tip-off from United Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Heat vs. Bulls odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Heat lead 1-0 with 143-107 road win Nov. 21

The Heat suffered a lopsided 122-94 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday, failing to cover as 5.5-point road underdogs as the Under (238.5) hit. Miami committed 18 turnovers in the defeat. G Norman Powell led the Heat with 21 points. G Tyler Herro added 17 points in his return from a toe injury, coming off the bench for just the fourth time in 4 seasons.

The Bulls dropped their third straight game Wednesday with a 108-93 loss at the Detroit Pistons. Chicago failed to cover as 8-point road underdogs as the Under (228.5) hit. G Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 24 points. C Nikola Vucevic posted 20 points and 16 rebounds, while F Matas Buzelis added 20, but 17 turnovers was too much for the Bulls to overcome.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Heat at Bulls odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:21 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Heat -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Bulls +220 (bet $100 to win $220)Against the spread (ATS): Heat -7.5 (-102) | Bulls +7.5 (-118)Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Heat at Bulls key injuries

Heat

C Bam Adebayo, (back) availableG Tyler Herro (toe) availableG Jaime Jaquez Jr., (ankle) questionable

Bulls

(Not submitted yet – Before Wednesday’s game)

F Zach Collins (toe) outF Noa Essengue (shoulder) outG Josh Giddey (hamstring) outF Jalen Smith (concussion) outG Coby White (calf) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Heat at Bulls picks and predictionsPrediction

Heat 122, Bulls 113

PASS.

I like the Heat (-275) to take care of business in Chicago Thursday, but I’ll take the better odds on the spread.

BET HEAT -7.5 (-118).

Chicago is dealing with a tough injury situation and now has to play on the second night of a back-to-back, which is a bad combo. With key playmakers either out or limited, the Bulls are short on offense, and that makes things even harder against a Heat team that’s getting healthier with Herro back.

Miami has quietly been solid at the window, covering 5 of the last 7 and taking care of Chicago in the last 2 meetings. This matchup also sets up well inside. The Bulls have struggled badly defending the paint, and that’s an area where C Bam Adebayo can take over.

The Heat are the more rested, more complete and more experienced team in this spot. With Chicago shorthanded and trending the wrong way, Miami feels like the right side to lay the points Thursday night.

BET UNDER 240.5 (-110).

These teams have a recent history of lower-scoring games, with 3 of the last 4 meetings staying below the total. Miami’s defense is the biggest reason, especially inside, where they consistently take away easy looks.

Chicago’s offense is also banged up, and if key scorers are limited or out, points will be even harder to come by. The recent trends line up as well, with both teams have been Under in 3 in their last 4. With defense and injuries driving the game script, the Under makes the most sense Thursday night.

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