| MATCHUP | Miami Heat | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 20-17 | 17-20 |
| Where | United Center, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FanDuel SN Sun | |
The Miami Heat travel to the United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. Here’s a Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Prediction. This article will include a Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Pick.
Miami Heat Betting Preview
The Miami Heat have been in pretty good form, as they’ve won five of their last seven games overall. They will be eager to bounce back in this one after getting thrashed by the Timberwolves in a 122-94 road defeat on Tuesday. Norman Powell led the team with 21 points on nine of 17 shooting, Tyler Herro added 17 points with nine rebounds off the bench while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 10 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring.
As a team, the Heat shot just 36 percent from the field and 12 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Timberwolves from the start. They allowed 34 points in the second quarter to trail by seven points at halftime, but things only got worse in the second half, where the Heat managed just 40 points.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have been doing it tough lately, as they’ve dropped five of their last seven games overall. They will be hoping to snap a three-game skid after getting routed by the Pistons in a 108-93 road defeat last night. Ayo Dosunmu led the team with 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting off the bench, while Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic each scored 20 points.
As a team, the Bulls shot 43 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they showed plenty of grit in the first three quarters of the contest to take a narrow lead. Only to get completely blown out by 32-16 in the fourth quarter as the Bulls’ poor shooting cost them in the end. Kevin Huerter shot just four of 13 from the field and zero of six from the 3-point line to finish with just eight points while Tre Jones shot just one of seven for his six points.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The Bulls have won each of their last seven games as home underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Heat have lost 10 of their last 12 games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
- The Bulls have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Heat have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as road favorites against Central Division opponents.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Heat have won each of their last seven night games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Bulls have lost eight of their last nine night games following a road loss.
- The Heat have covered the spread in each of their last eight games at United Center following a loss.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games on the second leg of a back-to-back against Eastern Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Bulls’ last eight games as underdogs following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Heat’s last five road games against the Bulls following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Ayo Dosunmu ranks 11th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.1%) this season.
- Matas Buzelis rank T14th in the league for total steals + blocks (81) this season.
Miami Heat Player Facts
- Andrew Wiggins is one of only five qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 threes, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks this season.
- Norman Powell ranks 6th amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (3.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bulls rank 29th in the league for H2 opponent points per game this season (60.7).
- The Bulls rank 3rd in the league for assists per game this season (29.4).
- The Heat rank 1st in the league for pace this season (104.4).
- The Heat rank 29th in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (80.6%).
Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Prediction
The Heat are keeping an eye on Jaime Jacquez Jr who is questionable with an ankle injury, while the Bulls have ruled out Coby White, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins and Josh Giddey. The Heat have gotten a lot of players back from injury lately, and it’s a big reason for their recent resurgence. However, they were certainly humbled by the Timberwolves in their last outing, so they would love to bounce back against the slumping Bulls, who are still missing a bunch of players.
The Heat were always going to be road favorites in this matchup, but to be honest, I’m surprised that the line isn’t higher. With that being said, the Heat are clearly the healthier team playing the better basketball, so I will happily take them over the slumping Bulls who are playing their second game of a back to back set.