The Chicago Bulls enter Miami looking to halt a three‑game losing skid and regain momentum after a brief mid‑January surge. Miami, meanwhile, has won three of its last four and continues to perform well as a favorite, especially at home.
This matchup is the second game of a rare home‑and‑home set, with Miami taking the first meeting 116–113 on Thursday. Both teams are navigating heavy schedules and injury concerns, adding intrigue to a game with potential play‑in implications.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Kaseya Center — Miami, Florida
TV/Streaming: FDSSUN, CHSN; available on Fubo
Odds: Heat -4.5; O/U 235.5; Moneyline: Miami -188, Chicago +156
Team Form & Recent Results
Chicago Bulls Recent Form
- Record: 23–25
- Currently on a three‑game losing streak after previously winning four straight.
- Shot just 39% from the field in Thursday’s loss but stayed competitive with strong three‑point shooting (15 made threes).
- Fatigue is a factor: Chicago is in the middle of a brutal stretch of 10 games in 13 days.
Miami Heat Recent Form
- Record: 26–23
- Have won three of their last four, all on the road.
- Strong as favorites: 14–8 when listed as the moneyline favorite this season.
- Won Thursday’s matchup 116–113 behind Norman Powell’s 21 points.
Key Storylines
- Can Chicago stop the skid? The Bulls’ play‑in hopes are slipping, and fatigue is clearly impacting performance.
- Miami’s momentum: The Heat are trending upward and have dominated the season series (2–0 so far).
- Pace vs. Efficiency: Chicago’s shooting inconsistency clashes with Miami’s disciplined half‑court approach.
- Injuries & Depth: Both teams are navigating heavy workloads and missing regular rotation players.
Players to Watch
Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu — Led the Bulls with 23 points in Thursday’s meeting and continues to be a bright spot amid injuries.
Miami Heat
With Powell out, Miami leans even more heavily on Bam Adebayo as both a scorer and a defensive anchor. He becomes the centerpiece of the offense, the initiator in dribble‑handoffs, and the stabilizer when Miami’s spacing takes a hit without Powell’s shooting.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
Miami’s offense has been steadier, especially late in games, while Chicago’s inconsistency stems from poor shooting nights and heavy legs. The Bulls’ three‑point shooting kept them alive on Thursday, but their overall efficiency (39% FG) remains a concern.
Defensively, Miami has been more reliable, particularly in crunch time. Their ability to force Chicago into tough mid‑range attempts could again tilt the matchup. Chicago’s best path is pushing pace and generating open threes before Miami’s defense sets.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
Chicago must manage fatigue and find ways to generate easier looks early in the shot clock. Expect more ball‑movement‑heavy sets to free shooters and reduce reliance on isolation.
Miami will likely stick to its disciplined defensive approach, forcing Chicago into contested jumpers. Offensively, expect a balanced attack with Adebayo and perimeter spacing to exploit Chicago’s tired legs.
Prediction
Prediction: Miami Heat 118, Chicago Bulls 111
Miami’s momentum, home‑court advantage, and Chicago’s fatigue tilt this matchup toward the Heat. The Bulls can keep it close with three‑point shooting, but Miami’s late‑game execution should prevail.
How to Watch
TV: FDSSUN, CHSN
Streaming: Fubo (regional availability)
Radio: Local team radio networks (varies by market)
FAQ
Q: What time is the Bulls vs. Heat game?
A: Tip‑off is at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: Miami is favored at -4.5 on the spread and -188 on the moneyline.
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: At Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: Heat -4.5, Bulls +4.5; O/U 235.5; Moneyline: Miami -188, Chicago +156.
Conclusion
Chicago enters this matchup desperate for a win but burdened by fatigue and recent shooting struggles. Miami, meanwhile, is trending upward and has already taken the first two meetings of the season. With home‑court advantage and better late‑game execution, the Heat are positioned to control the pace and secure another win.
If Chicago can rediscover its shooting rhythm and push the tempo, an upset is possible, but the matchup leans toward Miami heading into Saturday night.
