NBA Picks: Will the Chicago Bulls regroup and get past the Miami Heat?

Heat vs. Bulls Pick

Can the Chicago Bulls get their act together in time to beat the Miami Heat tonight at 8PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Chicago is favored at home tonight, as the Bulls are getting odds of -6 points against the Heat. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 204.5 points. Chicago has won both meetings this season with the Heat, but Miami has covered the spread in five of the last six meetings.

Bet on Heat vs. Bulls

Miami comes into tonight red-hot, winning five straight, including a win over the Warriors, to get to 16-30 overall and 24-22 against the spread. The wins have come at a price, however, as both Hassan Whiteside and Tyler Johnson were both injured during the streak. Johnson is dealing with a shoulder injury and is out tonight while Whiteside is questionable with an ankle injury. Both have been big contributors as Whiteside averages 16.9 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.02 blocks per game. Johnson was averaging 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. On the season, Miami allows 102.5 points per game while averaging just 99.2 points on offense. On the road, the offense dips to just 96.6 per game. Goran Dragic has been leading the team with 19.5 points and 6.3 assists per game.

Chicago had a rough loss on Wednesday, falling to Atlanta at home 119-114 after leading by double digits in the fourth. Both Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade called out teammates for a lack of effort in the loss. Rajon Rondo then fired back at the two for a lack of leadership. The Bulls come into tonight 23-24 overall and 22-25 against the spread. They are just 1-4 ATS in their last five. Chicago averages both 101.5 points per game on offense and defense. At home, the Bulls add 103 points per game. Butler is averaging 24.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game to lead the team while Wade is adding 19.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

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This situation can go really well or really bad for Chicago. The loss to Atlanta can be a rallying point or can be their demise. I think it will be a rallying point. This is a good opponent for Chicago to bounce back with. The Heat are really banged up and Wade should be motivated to have a big game against his former team. Look for Chicago to win big tonight and put the drama behind it.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO BULLS -6