Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat Predictions 2/28/22

Chicago Bulls (39-22 SU, 36-24-1 ATS) vs. Miami Heat (40-21 SU, 34-26-1 ATS)

When: Monday February 28 2022, 07:30 PM (ET)

Where: FTX Arena, Miami, Florida

TV: NBCSCH

Point Spread: CHI +2.5/MIA -2.5(Opened MIA -3.5 at MyBookie – Use bonus code PREDICT100 to receive a 100% real cash bonus!)

Total: 225.5 (Opened at 225.5)

Money Line: Chicago Bulls 140/Miami Heat -165

Power Rating: MIA -4

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls PG Ayo Dosunmu, SG Zach LaVine, SF Javonte Green, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic P

Miami Heat PG Gabe Vincent, SG Duncan Robinson, SF Jimmy Butler, PF P.J. Tucker, C Bam Adebayo

Key Injuries

Bulls
Lonzo Ball: knee (OUT) Alex Caruso: wrist (OUT) Patrick Williams: wrist (OUT)

Heat
Markieff Morris: neck (OUT) Victor Oladipo: knee (OUT)

The Miami Heat host the Chicago Bulls in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:30 PM ET at the FTX Arena.

Recent Form

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 39-22, placing them 2nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Chicago is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 15-13. Over their last five games, the Bulls have played well, picking up 4 wins. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 115.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Bulls have been picking up wins while holding opponents to an average of 110.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 110.4. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, the team fell to San Antonio by a score of 116-110.

The Miami Heat come into this game with an overall record of 40-21, placing them 1st in the Eastern Conference. So far, Miami is above .500 at home, holding a record of 20-7. The Heat have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Miami is averaging 115.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 109.4. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. Even though the Heat have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 111.0 points per game, up from Miami’s usual rate of 104.8. In the Miami Heat’s most recent game, Miami took down San Antonio by a score of 133-129.

Individual Player Analysis

As Chicago travels to take on the Miami Heat, the Bulls’ leading scorer is DeMar DeRozan. Through 57 games, DeRozan is averaging 28 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 47.0% of his games. So far, the Heat are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 47.06% of their games, placing them 12nd among NBA defenses. On the other side, Jimmy Butler leads the Heat in scoring, averaging 21 points across his 43 games. Throughout the season, Butler has outscored his season average in 51.0% of his outings. Given that Chicago’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Jimmy Butler should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Bulls have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 54.9 of their games, giving them a rank of 12nd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Bulls come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 110.7 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Chicago is winning at a rate of 52. These victories are coming by an average margin of 9.0 points. On the other side, the Heat hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 24 games as the better defensive team, picking up 20 wins (83%).

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The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Miami won by a score of 118-92.

How the Public is Betting the Bulls vs Heat

82% are betting the Heat against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 225

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Bulls are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Bulls are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
• Heat are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
• Heat are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Tonight’s matchup between Miami and Chicago features the top-two seeds in the Eastern Conference, with the Bulls just one game behind the Heat. When looking to place a bet against the spread, I recommend taking Miami to cover at home. Throughout the season, Chicago has struggled to defend the three-point line, allowing teams to hit 36% of their looks from outside. Look for the Heat to take advantage, as they are the 3rd most efficient three-point shooting team in the NBA. Note: Be sure to check out my Raptors vs. Nets prediction!