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- What: NBA Play-In Tournament Game
- When: April 16, 2025
- Who: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
- Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
- Where: United Center (Chicago, IL)
The NBA regular season has wrapped up, bringing us to the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. On Wednesday night in Chicago, the 10th-seeded Miami Heat will take on the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls.
The victorious team will qualify for Friday’s final play-in game for the eighth seed, setting up a first-round showdown with the Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the losing team will see their season conclude.
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Game Preview (Heat vs. Bulls)
Miami struggled towards the end of the regular season, losing four of their last six games, including a home defeat against Washington in their season finale.
| Spread |  |  |  |
| Miami Heat +1 Point | -111 | -110 | -110 |
| Chicago Bulls -1 Point | -109 | -110 | -110 |
This resulted in them heading into the play-in tournament on the road. The Heat wrapped up the season with a record of 37-45, placing third in the Southeast Division and finishing four games behind the Magic for first place.
In contrast, Chicago ended the season strong, winning three consecutive games and six out of their last seven, capping it off with a victory against the 76ers on the road. The Bulls finished with a record of 39-43, landing in last place in the Central Division, 25 games behind the Cavaliers.
We got Miami in the Play-In. Win or go home.@BMO_US | https://t.co/x8Qc4lB2Cd pic.twitter.com/JfpGQgrsdD
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 12, 2025
Chicago’s strong finish, highlighted by their three wins over Miami, significantly secured home-court advantage for this matchup. Miami struggled defensively in those encounters, allowing an average of 122 points per game, 12 points higher than their overall defensive average for the season.
Even with Miami’s shift away from relying on Jimmy Butler, focusing instead on the duo of Herro and Adebayo, the results have not been impactful.
The Heat’s away record of 17-23, combined with their offensive inconsistencies, has made it difficult for them to succeed. As a result, Chicago has the advantage of playing at home.
The Bulls are the better team at this point and I’d lay the point and take them at home in this one.
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Total Points
The Bulls thrive in high-scoring matchups, but I refuse to fall into this trap. The oddsmakers have set the total 3.5 points lower than the lowest-scoring game between these two teams this season.
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 219 | -115 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 219 | -105 | -110 | -110 |
On the other hand, the Heat have been exceptional defensively throughout the season, holding the Bulls to just 114 points in one of their previous encounters.
Since their last matchup just a week ago, where the Heat allowed 119 points, Erik Spoelstra will have much to focus on regarding his team’s defensive strategies ahead of this game.
Career game for Jaime:
🔥 41 points (career high)
🔥 17/25 FGM
🔥 10 rebounds
🔥 7 assists pic.twitter.com/RcpoA9iV4O— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 13, 2025
These adjustments will enable the Heat to dictate the pace of the game they desire, even if they ultimately don’t come out on top.
The Heat won’t make it easy for the Bulls. They will make them play a different style than they way they prefer. Slowing down the game seems like the best opportunity for the Heat to win .
The defense will step up in this one. Under 219 points at -110 odds is the best bet in this one.
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