The Chicago Bulls are home for the third game in a row as they get set to take on the Miami Heat at the United Center. Chicago had a long night on Friday but beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime for their third win in four games. Meanwhile, the Heat are coming off back-to-back wins at home and move within a half-game of the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 6 seed. The NBA lines at BetUS list the Heat as short 2.5-point road favorites to upend the Bulls at home.
Heat Fighting for Guaranteed Playoff Spot
While the play-in tournament is technically a part of the playoffs, no team would choose to participate over skipping straight to the first round of play. The Heat are one such team, and are battling with the Brooklyn Nets for sole possession of the No. 6 seed in the East. The Nets have a slight edge, but the Heat are within striking distance.
My major issue with the Heat is that they need to consistently cover games and enter Saturday with the second-worst record against the spread (ATS) behind the Dallas Mavericks. Miami is 26-43-2 ATS and 14-19-1 when playing on the road.
No big NBA news regarding injuries to report, as Cody Zeller is the only player listed as questionable for Saturday’s showdown.
DeRozan Went Off Against Timberwolves
The Bulls pulled off a hard-fought win on Friday in overtime against theTimberwolves 139-131. DeMar DeRozan was the star of the show and exploded for 49 points and 14 rebounds. It was his second straight game with at least 33 points and his third 30+ point game this month. He is locked in and has his sights set on the Heat.
Game time! 👀🔴 pic.twitter.com/zi1v0KdQHQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 18, 2023
Friday’s victory vaulted the Bulls into the No. 10 seed in the East and officially into playoff contention, at least for the time being. Chicago holds a slim half-game lead over the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. I expect them to fight hard to keep this spot, and with a healthy starting lineup, they are dangerous underdogs at home. If you’re looking to bet online Saturday, you could do much worse than the Bulls pulling off an upset.
Heat vs Bulls Game Injuries
Heat vs Bulls Head-to-Head
The Bulls hold a 2-0 season series lead over Miami, with both victories coming on the road as underdogs on the NBA betting lines. However, the Bulls haven’t beaten the Heat in Chicago since 2018.
There is no new NBA news regarding the Bulls’ injuries. Aside from Lonzo Ball, Chicago will be at full strength on Saturday.
Heat vs Bulls Game Information
- Game: Miami Heat (38-33) vs Chicago Bulls (32-37)
- Location United Center, Chicago, IL
- Day/Time: Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m. ET
- Heat vs Bulls Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Heat vs Bulls Betting Lines
Heat vs Bulls Picks & Prediction
Both teams have a lot to play for as the battle for playoff spots with the end of the regular season looms. Despite what the NBA point spread says, I like the Bulls to hit the ground running against a Heat team that struggles to cover spreads. Despite their lack of rest, the Bulls are my favorite underdog among my NBA picks on Saturday and are in good shape to upset the Heat.
The Miami Heat are listed at -150 in our Vegas NBA lines. If you wager $100 on the Heat, you can win $67. The Chicago Bulls are +130, offering a chance to win $130 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Heat a 60.00% chance to win, with the Bulls at 43.48%.
Heat vs Bulls Trends
Heat vs Bulls Edge
Heat vs Bulls Results
Heat vs Bulls Game Summary
Bulls vs Heat Previous Game (Dec. 20 2022)
The Chicago Bulls (11-18) head into their Tuesday night game at the Miami Heat (16-15) having lost their last four games while stopping no one in particular. The Heat are coming home after sweeping a four-game road trip.
Bulls vs Heat Game Summary
