NBA Handicapping Predictions – Bulls vs Heat
The Chicago Bulls overtime win last Thursday over the Miami Heat gave them a bit of cushion at the top of the Eastern Conference.
NBA Basketball Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat
8:00 PM EST on TNT
NBA Gambling Odds from BetOnline
NBA Betting Favorite: Off
Over/Under: Off
Their shocking loss to the Washington Wizards gave Miami a tiny bit of hope, but Chicago will likely hold the top spot in the playoffs. Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade are both listed as questionable for this game. How will this battle of the top two teams in the East play out?
Derrick Rose continues to struggle with a foot injury. The Bulls really need him to be healthy for the playoffs if they want to have a chance to make a deep run. Luol Deng is also listed as questionable for this game due to a rib injury. The real strength of the Bulls is their ability to dominate in the frontcourt. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
No team in the NBA can match Chicago’s frontcourt depth. Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, and Omer Asik are all very talented big men who have different strengths that complement each other. Chicago allows only 88.6 points per game, which is better than any other team in the NBA.
While some of the Miami Heat have been resting lately, LeBron James just keeps on putting up big numbers. James is considered a front runner for the NBA MVP award this year. He is shooting an impressive 53.3% from the floor this year, and he is clearly more comfortable in the offense this season. The Heat lead the NBA in field goal percentage at 47.5%. If Miami is going to win the title this season, it will likely be their defense that does it for them. Miami is the best defensive rebounding team in the NBA.
There may be some stars missing in this game, but both teams will be fighting hard to win this one. Miami has a little more to prove here, and I think the Heat will play inspired basketball.
Prediction: Miami 94 Chicago 90
