Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Prediction | 01.29.26

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 29-01-2026

The NBA regular season delivers a compelling Eastern Conference clash as the Miami Heat (25-23) travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls (23-24) on January 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST. With both teams hovering around the playoff picture, this matchup carries significant weight, promising a fiercely contested battle for crucial standings positioning.

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview

Miami Heat Key Stats & Trends

The Miami Heat enter this contest navigating a challenging stretch, compounded by significant injuries. Offensively, they rely heavily on the scoring prowess of Norman Powell, who leads the team with an impressive 23.1 PPG, while also contributing across the board with 3.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.2 BPG. Inside, Kel’el Ware anchors the paint, pulling down 9.8 RPG. Playmaking duties largely fall to Jaime Jaquez Jr., dishing out 4.7 APG. However, the Heat’s depth and offensive firepower are severely tested by their current injury woes, forcing remaining players into expanded roles and increasing their defensive vulnerability.

Injury Report Miami Heat

• Davion Mitchell (Out): Mitchell (shoulder) won’t suit up for Wednesday’s game against the Magic.
• Tyler Herro (Out): Herro (ribs) has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Magic.
• Terry Rozier (Out): The NBA placed Rozier on immediate leave from the Heat on Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.

Chicago Bulls Key Stats & Trends

The Chicago Bulls, despite their own injury concerns, have found a dynamic engine in Josh Giddey. Giddey is orchestrating the offense with remarkable efficiency, averaging 18.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and a team-high 8.8 APG, making him a consistent triple-double threat. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic continues to be a force on the glass, leading the team with 9.1 RPG. The Bulls’ recent form has been inconsistent, but Giddey’s playmaking and Vucevic’s interior presence provide a solid foundation. Their ability to capitalize on the Heat’s depleted roster will be key.

Injury Report Chicago Bulls

• Emanuel Miller (Out): Miller (hamstring) won’t play Friday against the Magic.
• Yuki Kawamura (Out): Kawamura (lower leg) signed a two-way contract with the Bulls on Tuesday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
• Tre Jones (Out): Jones (hamstring) is out for Wednesday’s game against the Pacers.
• Zach Collins (Out): Head coach Billy Donovan said he doesn’t think Collins (toe) will return before the All-Star break, which begins Feb. 13, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.
• Noa Essengue (Out): Essengue will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Best Bet

Given the significant injury landscape, the scales tip in favor of the home team. The Miami Heat are severely hampered by the absence of key offensive weapons in Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, alongside Davion Mitchell’s playmaking. While Norman Powell is a prolific scorer (23.1 PPG), the burden on him will be immense. The Chicago Bulls, despite their own injuries, have a more intact primary offensive creator in Josh Giddey, who is performing at an elite level (18.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.8 APG). His ability to score and facilitate will exploit the Heat’s shorthanded rotation. The home-court advantage at the United Center further bolsters the Bulls’ chances.

Therefore, our prediction is a victory for the Chicago Bulls.

For the total points line set at 242.5, we lean towards the over. Both teams, even with injuries, feature high-usage offensive players. Powell will be aggressive for Miami, and Giddey’s high-octane offense for Chicago, combined with Vucevic’s interior scoring, suggests plenty of points. Defensive rotations might suffer for both sides due to player absences, leading to a higher-scoring affair.