It's the second game of a most unusual 3-game regular season series, as the Chicago Bulls visit the Miami Heat. Miami took the first of this set on Thursday in a 116-113 road win.
With both teams in a gruelling part of the schedule and many regulars appearing to be sidelined, my Bulls vs. Heat prediction will target the Under on Saturday.
Read on for my NBA picks for Saturday, January 31.
Bulls vs Heat prediction
Bulls vs Heat best bet: Under 236 points (-110)
The Chicago Bulls' loss on Thursday was their third straight, and their grip on the 10th and final play-in berth is much less secure, just 2.5 games ahead of the Hornets.
A Top-7 shooting team in the NBA, the Bulls were limited to just 39% shooting from the field, but stayed competitive by hitting 15 triples and shooting 39% from 3-point range.
Chicago is in the midst of playing 10 games in 13 days before the all-star break, with no more than one day off between games and a pair of back-to-backs mixed in.
It's already taking a toll on the players, as Nikola Vucevic (rest) is listed as doubtful, while regulars Coby White (calf), Jalen Smith (calf), and Josh Giddey (hamstring) – who missed the last meeting between these teams – are questionable.
Emanuel Miller (migraine) is also questionable, while Tre Jones (hamstring) has already been confirmed out.
The Miami Heat are also in the midst of a four-game, five-night stretch, but the wins have helped fuel them, as they have ripped off three of four.
They've beaten the Bulls twice this season and will be seeking a fourth straight win over Chicago.
While they are averaging more than 120 points in their three previous wins, it's their defense, which has allowed just 103.3 points per game, that's been the deciding factor.
The Heat will need to lean into that defense, as their two leading scorers, Norman Powell (personal) and Tyler Herro (ribs) are both out, alongside guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder).
With so many impactful players sidelined, the total is the play here. Chicago has gone Under the total in four of its last five, while the two teams have cashed the Under in two of their previous three meetings.
Bulls vs Heat same-game parlay
Bam Adebayo had 12 boards in the last meeting between these teams, giving him at least 12 five times in the last eight games. There should be plenty more against the diminished Chicago frontline.
And that's why we're targeting Matas Buzelis' gettable 6.5 rebounding line. The 21-year-old has pulled down at least seven rebounds in three of his last four, including nine in the last meeting between these teams.
Bulls vs Heat SGP
- Under 236 points
- Bam Adebayo Over 10.5 rebounds
- Matas Buzelis Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dr. Dru!
Jaime Jaquez Jr is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Bulls, scoring 19 points, adding 10 boards, and six assists. With Powell out, there will be plenty of shots and points to make up Saturday.
Dru Smith is coming off a 2-for-4 shooting night from 3-point range. He's also hit two triples in both meetings with Chicago, and has connected on a moneyball in three straight games.
Bulls vs Heat SGP
- Under 236 points
- Bam Adebayo Over 10.5 rebounds
- Matas Buzelis Over 6.5 rebounds
- Jaime Jaquez Over 16.5 points
- Dru Smith Over 0.5 made threes
Bulls vs Heat odds
- Spread: Bulls +5.5 (-110) | Heat -5.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bulls +180 | Heat -210
- Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
Bulls vs Heat betting trend to know
The underdogs have won five of the last six games between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Heat.
How to watch Bulls vs Heat
| Location | Kaseya Center, Miami, FL |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CHSN, FDSN Sun |
Bulls vs Heat latest injuries
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