The Miami Heat (25-23) square off against the Chicago Bulls (23-24) in an Eastern Conference battle with playoff implications. Miami, sitting in the 7th spot, looks to extend their recent road success, having won three of their last four away games, while Chicago aims to rebound at home after a tough loss to the Lakers. The Heat hold a 1-0 edge in the season series following a dominant November victory, but the Bulls’ defensive grit could make this a low-scoring affair. Key storylines include Jimmy Butler facing his former team and how both squads handle injuries to key playmakers. Expect a physical, grind-it-out game at the United Center, where Miami’s experience might prevail in the clutch.
Venue Location
United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on CHSN+ and FDSSUN, with streaming on NBA League Pass and radio coverage available.
Recent Team Forms
The Heat have shown offensive firepower in wins but inconsistency on the road, while the Bulls have been competitive at home but hampered by injuries, leading to defensive lapses.
Miami Heat (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 121.1 PPG)
Recent Streak: Won 2 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 25 @ PHX: W 111-102 (Herro 28 PTS, Adebayo double-double).
Jan. 24 @ UTA: W 147-116 (Season-high scoring; Butler 32 PTS).
Jan. 22 @ POR: L 110-127.
Jan. 20 vs. CHA: W 130-93.
Jan. 18 @ SAC: L 117-130.
Strengths: Top-10 offense (121.1 PPG in last 10); Adebayo averaging 20.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG.
Weaknesses: Road defense (allowing 118.0 PPG away); 10-15 on the road.
Chicago Bulls (Last 10 Games: 5-5, Avg. 115.7 PPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 26 vs. LAL: L 118-129 (White 22 PTS, Vucevic double-double).
Jan. 24 vs. BOS: W 114-111 (Dosunmu 24 PTS).
Jan. 22 @ IND: L 109-114.
Jan. 20 vs. DAL: W 125-107.
Jan. 18 vs. BKN: W 124-102 (White 24 PTS, 7 3PT).
Strengths: Home resilience (15-10 at United Center); Vucevic averaging 18.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG.
Weaknesses: Injuries depleting backcourt; Allowing 116.8 PPG in losses.
Injury Report
Injuries could significantly impact both teams, with the Bulls missing multiple starters and the Heat managing depth issues.
Miami Heat:
OUT: Terry Rozier (not with team).
OUT: Vladislav Goldin (G League – Two-Way).
OUT: Jahmir Young (G League – Two-Way).
QUESTIONABLE: Kel’el Ware (hamstring).
QUESTIONABLE: Davion Mitchell (shoulder).
PROBABLE: Tyler Herro (toe), Bam Adebayo (back), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle).
Chicago Bulls:
OUT: Zach Collins (toe sprain).
OUT: Noa Essengue (shoulder – out for season).
OUT: Tre Jones (hamstring strain).
OUT: Josh Giddey (hamstring strain).
OUT: Kevin Huerter (back tightness).
OUT: Jalen Smith (concussion).
OUT: Yuki Kawamura (G League – Two-Way), Emanuel Miller (G League – Two-Way).
QUESTIONABLE: Patrick Williams (ankle).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups, adjusted for injuries:
Heat: PG Tyler Herro, SG Jimmy Butler, SF Jaime Jaquez Jr., PF Nikola Jovic, C Bam Adebayo.
Bulls: PG Coby White, SG Ayo Dosunmu, SF Patrick Williams, PF Nikola Vucevic, C (TBD; adjustments due to injuries, likely Matas Buzelis or Adama Sanogo).
Key Matchups:
Bam Adebayo vs. Nikola Vucevic: Adebayo (20.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG) dominates inside; Vucevic (18.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG) must match rebounding but struggles defensively.
Jimmy Butler vs. Patrick Williams: Butler (22.0 PPG recently) exploits mismatches; Williams’ defense could limit drives.
Tyler Herro vs. Coby White: Herro (21.0 PPG) tests Bulls’ perimeter; White (20.5 PPG, strong 3PT) counters with scoring.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. vs. Ayo Dosunmu: Jaquez (16.0 PPG recently) vs. Dosunmu’s speed (19.0 PPG).
Series History
All-time: Bulls lead 68-65 in 133 regular-season games.
Recently, Heat have won 9 of last 20 head-to-head.
This season:
Nov. 21, 2025: Heat 143-107 (Herro 28 PTS).
Playoffs: Bulls lead 17-9 in 26 games.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Heat 27-21 ATS (12-13 as -1.5 or less favorite); Bulls 23-24 ATS (10-15 as +1.5 or more underdog).
Heat 1-0 ATS vs. Bulls this season. Bulls Under in 26 of 47 games (+8.5 units ROI).
Game Odds
Miami Heat – 2.5
Chicago Bulls 238.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
