[8:10 PM] Bulls @ Heat

Who will WIN this matchup?

Chicago Bulls (4-3)

@ Miami Heat (2-4)

 

Current odds:

Chicago Bulls: (+110)

Miami Heat: (-130)

 

• ESPN simulations have Chicago as XX% favorites to win the game.

• XX% of sports bets are currently on Miami to win as (TBD) favorites.

• The line for this game is Miami by 2 points.

• Dwyane Wade won three NBA titles in 13 seasons with the Miami Heat before departing for Chicago as a free agent last summer. Wade makes his first visit to South Beach as a visiting player when the Bulls battle Miami on Thursday.

• Wade, a 12-time All-Star, had his second-highest scoring output of the season while making 10-of-17 shots and contributing a season-best five steals in the loss to the Hawks. The 34-year-old is averaging 17.9 points, a distant second on the Bulls behind fellow All-Star guard Jimmy Butler (23.3), who is Chicago’s primary scoring option. Butler scored a season-high 39 points against Atlanta – his highest total since a career-best 53-point effort against Philadelphia last January – and also contributed seven assists and matched his career high of six steals.

• While Riley may not give Wade the warmest of greetings, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has remained in contact with him and understands the importance of the occasion. Miami is still adapting to not having Wade and the current top scoring options are point guard Goran Dragic (18 points per game) and center Hassan Whiteside (17.5 points, team-best 13.8 rebounds).

• The Heat won all four of last season’s meetings, including victories by 22 and 18 points.

• Chicago PG Rajon Rondo is averaging just 6.8 assists and has reached double digits only once.

• Miami backup F James Johnson scored a season-best 18 points against Oklahoma City and is averaging 14.5 points over the past two games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Chicago Bulls

Confidence: 4/10

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