As far as the NBA play in tournament goes, the 2023 one may be the best rendition yet. NBA team stats are up, while the NBA schedule has provided all of the intrigue anybody could have asked for.
No.10 Chicago Bulls came back and rallied to knock off the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan’s daughter was screaming all game long, and it led to the Raptors shooting an abysmal 18-36 at the foul line. It’s always the underlying factors that make the biggest difference.
As for NBA playoffs predictions, we might see folks less confident in the Miami Heat after they put up something of a dud against the Hawks in their first appearance here.
NBA picks today will reflect the struggles they have gone through, along with a lack of size. The team doesn’t have a true power forward besides Kevin Love, and he was glued to the bench after only appearing for three minutes.
Heat vs Bulls odds to follow.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Odds
It should come as no surprise that even after their dud, the Heat are favored. They play relatively well on their home floor. The Heat are -5.5 on NBA odds today.
Moments have happened, and winning streaks where it looks like they are back. But this is their first time outside the top six in the past couple of years. So, perhaps not.
As for the moneylines, they are CHI +180 and MIA -225. There is some great value to be had with the Bulls and their impressive 1-2 punch. And the over/under for the ballgame is at 208.5.
The Heat vs Bulls odds will be talked about more in depth below.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Information
Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls
Location of the Game: Kaseya Arena in Miami, FL.
Date and Time: Friday, April 14 at 7:00 PM EST.
How to Watch: TNT
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
Miami Heat
The year was anything but impressive for the Heat, who might have missed their second-oldest player more than anybody else. PJ Tucker going to Philly took a key part of their identity away and definitely hurt their defense over the course of the year.
Jimmy Butler was getting his numbers, while Bam Adebayo made it to the All-Star game. But nobody else was consistent here aside from Tyler Herro, who leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end of the floor.
It took Kyle Lowry’s best game in two years just to keep the team afloat against Atlanta, and if that happens again, they may not have enough stored in the tank to advance.
The NBA player stats are nowhere near where they would like them to be. It will take the sum of their parts to give them a true fighting chance.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago finished the year top-5 in defensive rating in spite of a losing record. Patrick Williams moved into a bench role after Patrick Beverley came in, and both of them have benefitted from it greatly.
Those two, along with Alex Caruso, were fantastic in the second half against Toronto. They bought themselves enough time to start making threes with their effort on D, combined with the Raptors’ lack of foul shooting efficiency.
Among the NBA games tonight, this may be the most intriguing. Let’s get to the explanations of those Heat vs Bulls odds.
Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls Betting Picks
Chicago Bulls +5.5
The Bulls will not go quietly into the night. They chose not to move DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic at the deadline, showing they could get into the top eight again.
Toronto made the same choice and probably already regrets it. Chicago plays hard, and they will be ready to play from the opening tip.
Over 208.5
In a battle of elite defenses, points will surely be down. But not to the point of each side having under 100. Enough will be scored to appease the over bettors, and the slugfest will happen by the time it is finished.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.