Miami’s dominated Chicago throughout their first three meetings this season. And now, the Heat will look to complete the sweep in front of their home crowd in tonight’s regular-season series finale. Can they pull it off against a desperate Bulls squad that’s looking to keep their playoff hopes alive? Continue reading on below for more information about this Eastern Conference matchup.
Still craving for some more NBA action? Well, you can click here for our complete preview of the second-to-the-last regular-season clash between San Antonio and Golden State.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat Preview
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
When: Thursday, April 7, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Chicago Bulls (+5) at Miami Heat (-5); total: 205.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the Chicago Bulls (39-39)
[sc:NBA250 ]A loss to Memphis on Tuesday night definitely hurt Chicago’s postseason chances. But fortunately, the Pistons also lost on the same day which keeps the Bulls just 2.5 games back of the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed. A road win against the Miami Heat tonight is obviously a must.
Besides entering this crucial game fresh off a loss, the Bulls are also looking to avoid a sweep and ultimately get the last laugh in this final game regular-season matchup with Miami.
Key to doing so will greatly depend on Jimmy Butler. There is no doubt that Butler’s the main star and the future of this team. However, he didn’t look like one in the loss to the Grizzlies, as he went just 2-of-8 from the floor for five points. Butler’s offensive prowess is going to be much-needed especially against the Heat, who rank fourth in the league in scoring defense.
Moreover, Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol will also need to put on an efficient outing especially if Butler ends up struggling. Both combined for 29 points, 15 boards and 10 dimes versus Memphis.
Gasol, in particular, has been arguably Chicago’s most consistent player this season. The former Laker center has accumulated 44 double-doubles under his belt and is putting up 16.0 points with 9.7 rebounds throughout 31 career games opposite Miami.
As for the defense, the Bulls barely have any room for mistakes. The Heat have managed to score 100 or more points in 16 of their last 18 games.
Chicago, which is giving up 99.2 points in the past five outings, is 4-6 SU and 5-5 ATS in its previous 10 road games.
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Betting on the Miami Heat (45-32)
Over at South Beach, the Heat have already locked up a spot in the playoffs. However, they still have unfinished business to take care off especially with the Southeast Division title still within reach.
Expect Miami to go all out when it collides with the Chicago Bulls this evening. And it’s safe to say Wade is bound to receive a lot of attention from the opposing defense as he walks into this bout averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in the last three games. That stretch includes his 30-point, 9-assist effort in the win over Brooklyn on March 28.
Apart from Wade, the trio of Goran Dragic, Luol Deng and Joe Johnson should be able to provide some solid contributions. All have scored in double-digits in the past four games and Dragic, in particular, will be aiming to build on his stellar performance (22 points, eight dimes) in the win over Detroit Tuesday night.
Furthermore, Hassan Whiteside’s presence is going to be felt on both sides of the court without question. Whiteside is tallying 17.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in the previous five games.
A reason for concern, though, is Miami’s carelessness with the basketball. The Heat are committing almost 15 turnovers in their previous four contests and if they continue to do so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bulls steal a win from them.
Miami is 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Heat (-5) win, but they don’t cover the spread.
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[sc:NBA620 ]
