Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat (NBA): odds and picks 31.01.2026

Chicago and Miami face off in a very “Eastern” duel at the United Center. At this hour, more than the name of the opponent, it is the context that matters: rotations, fatigue and, above all, who manages to impose their rhythm at the start, because at 2:00 a.m. the game is often decided by silly runs.

To me, it sounds like a serious battle for possession: Miami tends to look for controlled, physical games, and Chicago, when comfortable at home, competes better from defence and rebounding. The key will be turnovers and outside shooting: if one team shoots above 38-40% from three-point range, the other will be fighting an uphill battle all night.

Chicago Bulls latest

Chicago comes into the game with a reputation for being unpredictable: capable of stringing together good stretches, but also of disconnecting on offence if they don’t run. The injury report points to several absences in the rotation (especially on the perimeter), so the plan should be to minimise turnovers and punish them in the half court. At home, they tend to up their intensity a notch.

Latest news on the Miami Heat

Miami arrives with a more “serious” and competitive profile, although with significant doubts in the previous report (some starters injured and a couple of players between “questionable” and “out”). If the game gets dirty and is played with contact and positional defence, they usually feel comfortable. If it opens up and becomes an exchange, it’s a different story.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Venue: United Center, a court where Chicago usually competes better in terms of energy and pace.
• Health/rotations: both teams arrive with injuries/absences, and that changes the script a lot in the final minutes.
• Pace: Miami wants to slow things down; Chicago wants to run when it can.
• Three-pointers and turnovers: two statistics that often decide these match-ups more than pure talent.
• Close finish: if it’s neck and neck going into the clutch, possession management is worth its weight in gold.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat: our prediction

BeniThe conservative one

Miami Heat +5.5. Odds 1.55

This suits me as a “safe” bet because, even without shining, Miami usually stays in the game thanks to its defensive structure and the fact that it rarely breaks down completely. With a margin of 5-6 points, you’re covered if the game goes to long possessions and short runs, which is a fairly likely scenario in this match-up. If Chicago doesn’t have a great night from outside, the +5.5 wins hands down.

BetoThe bold one

Miami Heat to win and under 216.5 points (combined). Odds 3.40

If my conservative bet is to trust that Miami will compete until the end, the more aggressive version is that they will win outright in a low-scoring game. The Heat are interested in a tight, half-court game with long possessions; if they manage to slow down Chicago’s transitions and the score doesn’t get out of hand, a close finish favours them. It’s the same scenario, but with a little more pressure.