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2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Preview - Miami vs. Chicago:
Can the Heat subdue the Bulls at the United Center?

April 16, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs approach, a high-stakes showdown is set for Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 PM EDT at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The No. 9 seeded Chicago Bulls will host the No. 10 seeded Miami Heat in a do-or-die Play-In Tournament matchup that will determine which team keeps its postseason hopes alive.

The Miami Heat enter the contest as the Eastern Conference's 10th seed, wrapping up the regular season with a 37-45 record. Their campaign was marked by turbulence, most notably the midseason trade of star Jimmy Butler, which disrupted their rhythm and pushed them to the edge of playoff contention. Despite the adversity, Miami brings experience to the table, having previously navigated the Play-In Tournament twice, including a remarkable 2023 run to the NBA Finals as a No. 7 seed after eliminating the Bulls in this very round.

Miami vs. Chicago Sports Bet Odds

The Bulls are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Bulls favored by 1 point, with a money line of -115.
• The Wildcats are the underdogs by 1 point, with a money line of -105.
• The over/under is set at 219 points, with the over at -115 and the under at -105.

Meanwhile, the Bulls finished with a 39-43 record to claim the No. 9 spot. Riding a late-season surge - 9-6 in March and 6-1 in April—Chicago enters the Play-In with momentum. The Bulls also swept the regular season series against the Heat 3-0, including a recent 119-111 home win powered by strong performances from Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic.

For Miami, Bam Adebayo has been a consistent force, averaging 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Tyler Herro has stepped up as a primary scorer with nearly 24 points per game, while Andrew Wiggins adds defensive versatility on the wing. Bench contributions from Alec Burks and Davion Mitchell bolster the backcourt, and rookie big man Kel'el Ware has made an impact with his efficiency and rebounding.

Chicago's offensive engine is driven by Coby White, averaging over 20 points per game, and Nikola Vucevic, who posts a reliable 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds nightly. Josh Giddey plays a pivotal role as a facilitator and all-around contributor, while rookie Matas Buzelis brings promising two-way potential. The Bulls' youthful roster emphasizes energetic defense and balanced scoring.

Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Injury Report

Miami Heat

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Kevin Love	PF	Game Time Decision
Kevin Love	PF	Game Time Decision
Pelle Larsson	G	Game Time Decision
Nikola Jovic	F	Game Time Decision

Chicago Bulls

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Dalen Terry	F	Game Time Decision
Josh Giddey	SF	Game Time Decision
Lonzo Ball	PG	Out
Tre Jones	PG	Out

In previous meetings this season, Chicago consistently capitalized on Miami's late-game struggles, especially in the fourth quarter. The Bulls' ability to dictate pace and pressure defensively—holding opponents to 46.6% shooting—gives them an edge against a Heat team still adjusting post-Butler.

Strategically, Miami's "two-big" lineup with Adebayo and Ware focuses on interior dominance, while the Bulls lean on a more versatile frontcourt with Vucevic anchoring the paint. The Heat boast the league's 7th-ranked defense in points allowed, countered by the Bulls' high-powered offense, which ranks 6th in scoring.

This Play-In clash holds massive stakes. The winner advances to face the loser of the Eastern Conference's 7 vs. 8 seed matchups for the final playoff berth. The loser's season comes to an end. Miami will look to draw on its veteran leadership and storied "Heat Culture" to extend its season, while Chicago aims to ride its current wave of momentum—and home-court edge - into the main playoff bracket.

The Heat vs. Bulls Play-In game is set to deliver a thrilling, hard-fought battle featuring contrasting styles and plenty of drama. Miami's experience and interior power meet Chicago's rising youth and offensive explosiveness in a contest where only one team will move forward in the chase for an NBA championship.

2024-25 Comparative Heat vs. Bulls Season Stats

Miami Heat 10th (37-45) Away (17-23) STRK L1	VS	Chicago Bulls 9th (39-43) Home (18-23) STRK W3
110.9	Points Per Game	117.8
43.4	Rebounds Per Game	45.9
26.4	Assists Per Game	29.1
8.1	Steals Per Game	7.6
12.6	Turnovers Per Game	13.9

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