Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat Preview, Prediction & Odds | February 1, 2026

miami heat

The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat meet again on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to close out a rare three‑game mini‑series that has already produced two tightly contested matchups. Miami enters as the betting favorite, while Chicago looks to build momentum after splitting the first two games despite significant injury issues.

Both teams are fighting for positioning in a crowded Eastern Conference, and with the season nearing its midpoint, every game carries added weight. Expect a competitive, high‑tempo matchup with playoff‑style intensity.

Game Details

Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. ET

Location: Kaseya Center — Miami, Florida

TV/Streaming: FDSSUN, CHSN, WPLG; Streaming available on Fubo

Odds: Heat -5.5 | O/U 232.5 | Moneyline: Heat -207, Bulls +172

Team Form & Recent Results

Chicago Bulls Recent Form

  • The Bulls have battled injuries but managed to split the first two games of this three‑game set.
  • They lost the opener 116–113, then bounced back with a 125–118 win behind a season‑high 29 points from Ayo Dosunmu.
  • Chicago has been competitive as an underdog, winning 51.9% of games in that role this season. CBS Sports

Miami Heat Recent Form

  • Miami sits slightly above .500 and has been strong when favored, winning 60.9% of such games.
  • The Heat won the first matchup of this series and narrowly lost the second, showing consistent offensive balance and strong ball movement (29 assists in the opener). Doc’s Sports

Key Storylines

  • Injuries for Chicago: Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic, Jalen Smith, and Coby White all missed Saturday’s game, forcing the Bulls to rely on depth pieces. Their availability could swing the matchup.
  • Miami’s Efficiency: The Heat have been reliable as favorites and continue to generate high‑quality looks through strong passing.
  • Series Finale: This is the third meeting in four days, creating playoff‑like familiarity and adjustments.

Players to Watch

chicago bulls
Jan 28, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls

Ayo Dosunmu – Coming off a season‑high 29 points on elite shooting (11‑of‑16, 5‑of‑6 from three). Chicago will need his scoring punch again if injuries persist.

Miami Heat

Team Offense (Collective) – Miami’s balanced attack produced 29 assists and 12 steals in the opener, showing how dangerous they can be when the ball moves.

Matchup Breakdown

Offense vs. Defense

Miami’s offense has been more consistent, shooting 45%+ in recent matchups and generating high assist totals. Chicago, meanwhile, has relied on pace and volume, especially with key players sidelined. The Bulls’ rebounding advantage (52 boards in the opener) keeps them competitive, but Miami’s defensive pressure (12 steals) can swing momentum quickly.

Expect Miami to try to slow Chicago’s tempo, while the Bulls will push transition opportunities to compensate for missing playmakers.

Coaching / Strategy Notes

Chicago may again lean on a spread‑floor, up‑tempo approach, especially if Giddey and Vucevic remain out. Their success will hinge on hitting threes and winning the rebounding battle.

Miami’s strategy revolves around ball movement, half‑court execution, and forcing turnovers. If they control the pace and limit Chicago’s second‑chance points, they should dictate the flow of the game.

Prediction

Prediction: Heat 122, Bulls 116. This aligns with expert projections and reflects Miami’s stronger health, home‑court advantage, and efficiency.

How to Watch

TV: FDSSUN, CHSN, WPLG

Streaming: Fubo (regional availability applies)

Radio: Local team radio networks (varies by market)

FAQ SECTION

Q: What time is the Bulls vs. Heat game? A: Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Q: Who is favored to win? A: The Miami Heat are 5.5‑point favorites.

Q: Where is the game being played? A: At Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

Q: What are the betting odds? A: Heat -207, Bulls +172, spread -5.5, total 232.5.

Conclusion

The final game of this three‑game stretch promises another competitive showdown. Miami’s consistency and home‑court edge make it the safer pick, but Chicago has shown resilience despite injuries. If the Bulls get hot from deep or win the rebounding battle decisively, they can keep this close.

Still, the Heat’s depth, ball movement, and defensive pressure give them the upper hand in what should be an entertaining matchup.

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