Butler Out For Miami's Pivotal Play-In Game | Bulls vs. Heat | OSB
NBA Play-In: Chicago Bulls (39-43) at Miami Heat (46-36)
By Sam Batz
When: Friday, April 19th at 7:00 PM EST
Where: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Watch On: ESPN
Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
In the battle for the 8th seed in the East, the Chicago Bulls will go head-to-head with the Miami Heat. The winner will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the First Round of the playoffs, and the loser’s season will be over. Last year the Miami Heat were in this exact position, yet despite insurmountable odds, the Heat made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Needless to say Miami has experience on their side, but after the news of Jimmy Butler’s devastating knee injury, one that will keep the 6x All-Star sidelined against the Bulls, Miami’s hope of returning to the Finals hangs by a thread. The Bulls are technically the underdogs, but with the spread at just 1.5 points this one could go either way.
Below you’ll find all of our picks for the Bulls vs. Heat Play-In game, including stats, scores, and betting advice. We’ll help you navigate the odds and provide helpful betting tips for Friday’s matchup between the Bulls and Heat.
Bulls vs. Heat Odds
Team | Spread | Total (O/U) | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
Chicago Bulls | +1.5 (-110) | Ov 205.5 (-110) | +105 |
Miami Heat | -1.5 (-110) | Un 205.5 (-110) | -125 |
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Bulls vs. Heat Betting Trends
Chicago Bulls
- 42-40-1 ATS
- 23-18 ATS on the road
- 46-37 O/U record
- 24-17 O/U record on the road
- 19-30 as UNDERDOGS
- 10-20 as UNDERDOGS on the road
Miami Heat
- 41-40-2 ATS
- 16-25 ATS at home
- 36-47 O/U record
- 21-20 O/U record at home
- 35-12 as FAVORITES
- 22-9 as FAVORITES at home
Bulls vs. Heat Stats
Chicago Bulls W1 (5-5) 112.3 113.7 -1.4 47.0% 35.8% 43.8 11.7 114.0 (19th) 115.7 (22nd) 20-21 (48.8%) 19-22 (46.3%) | Stat Type Streak (L10) Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Point Diff Field Goal % Three-Point % Rebounds/Game Turnovers/Game Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | Miami Heat L1 (6-4) 110.1 108.4 +1.7 46.5% 37.0% 42.3 11.8 113.3 (21st) 111.5 (5th) 22-19 (53.7%) 24-17 (58.5%) |
Bulls vs. Heat Head-to-Head History
- Regular & Post Season Games: 160 (1988-2024)
- All-time Series: Bulls: 83 wins; Heat: 77 wins
- Season Series: Tied 2-2
The Bulls and Heat will play their 161st all-time matchup on Friday; a game that will determine the fate of the playoffs. It’s always been an even matchup between these two. The Bulls lead the all-time series by just 6 games (83-77), but this season Miami and Chicago split the series 2-2. In their head-to-head matchups this season, the Bulls averaged 110.5 points per game, while the Heat averaged 112.3 points per game. Miami is 1-1 against Chicago at home, and they have an over/under record of 3-1. Injuries will play a big role in Friday’s contest, but based on the history these two share, I’m expecting a close game.
Bulls vs. Heat Prediction
Neither side is going to take this game lightly with the season on the line, but with the injuries Miami has sustained the Heat will be severely shorthanded against Chicago, which is why I’m going with the Bulls on Friday. Miami’s Jimmy Butler is out (knee), and Terry Rozier is doubtful (neck), two players the Heat will sorely miss. Butler and Rozier average 20.8 and 16.4 points per game respectively, and against a Chicago side that is averaging 124.6 points in their last 5 games, Miami will struggle to keep up without two of their best offensive weapons.
The Heat will need to rely on their defense, which has the 5th-best rating in the NBA, but Butler & Rozier were a big part of the team’s defensive success, collectively averaging 2.3 steals per game and locking down the opponents backcourt. Without them Miami is exposed to Chicago’s DeMar DeRozan and Coby White, who combined for 64 points against the Hawks, and will lead the Bulls past the Heat.
Bulls vs. Heat predictions:
- Moneyline Pick: Chicago Bulls (+105)
If you take the Bulls Moneyline (+105): You bet $100 to win $105, for a total payout of $205, if the Bulls win straight up.
- ATS Pick: Chicago Bulls (+1.5)
If you take the Bulls to Cover the +1.5 Spread (-110): You risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Bulls win the game, or lose by just 1-point.
- O/U Pick: Over (205.5)
If you take the Over on 205.5 total points (-110): You risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Bulls and Heat combine for more than 205 points.
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