Bryan Armetta shares his preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat.
For the second time in three days, Chicago and Miami are set to meet on the hardwood. The Bulls (23-25, 10th in East) are on track for yet another play-in appearance. Still, this roster does have some intriguing young players. They’ll hope to earn an upset on the road tonight in South Beach. The Heat (26-23, 8th in East), despite missing several key contributors, remain a team no contender wants to face.
The Heat are 6.5-point favorites (-105) over the Bulls on DraftKings Sportsbook. Miami is favored at -250 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 233.5 points. Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Saturday’s Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game.
Bulls vs. Heat prediction, preview
Injury uncertainty abounds for the visitors tonight. Leading scorer Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been ruled out, while Coby White (calf) and Nikola Vucevic (rest) are doubtful to suit up. If even one of the latter two plays, Chicago will be at a disadvantage. Still, Billy Donovan’s squad hasn’t had major issues when it comes to putting up points. The Bulls possess the NBA’s fifth-quickest pace on offense (101.3), preferring to push the tempo. Assuming the ‘Big Three’ are all out, more usage should be in store for Matas Buzelis. The second-year pro has turned heads this season, emerging as a legitimate two-way threat. Through 48 games, he’s averaging 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks.
Regardless, the biggest issue for Chicago is stopping its opponents. The team has produced a 117.6 defensive rating, eighth-worst in basketball. To boot, the Bulls are surrendering 119.7 points per game, fifth-most in the NBA. Granted, none of Giddey, White or Vucevic are considered quality defenders. Despite that, it’s not as if there are many good options available on the bench. The Bulls have given up at least 110 points in each of their last six contests.
It’s not as if Chicago is the only club operating at less than 100%. The Heat are currently without Tyler Herro (ribs) and Norman Powell (personal). Fellow guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) is considered doubtful. That means even more responsibility than normal rests on Bam Adebayo. The three-time All-Star, despite a shaky start, has rounded into form on offense recently. He’s tallied at least 20 points in nine of his last ten appearances. That includes Thursday’s meeting between these two squads. The Bulls are surrendering 53.1 points in the paint per game, fifth-most in the NBA.
Still, it’ll take more than just a single player on offense. Fortunately for the Heat, this is an ideal matchup. They are one of the few teams that plays at an even faster pace than the Bulls (104.1). Expect increased usage for wings Andrew Wiggins (15.6 PPG) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (15.3 PPG). When these teams last met, Miami eked out a 116-113 victory on the road. However, that was due in part to a 21-point showing from the now-absent Powell. Some lesser-known names will need to step up this weekend.
Bulls vs. Heat pick, best bet
If both teams were at full strength, the Bulls could offer value at this 6.5-point spread. However, all signs are pointing to White and Vucevic joining Giddey on the bench this evening. Miami, also shorthanded, at least has proven talents taking the court in Wiggins and Adebayo. To boot, the Heat have gone an impressive 16-4 this season against sub-.500 squads. Expect that trend to continue tonight.