Bulls vs Heat Betting Impacted By Butler’s Injury
Heat Show Playoff Prowess Against Bulls Despite Injury
The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat battle for the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Friday. The Bulls vs Heat betting markets Miami favored at -1.5, which is a fair line for a team known to win big games. Last year’s NBA finalists are up against the wall, and we have NBA predictions today for the big game.
Bulls vs Heat 
Records: Chicago Bulls (40-43), Miami Heat (46-37)
Location: Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Day/Time: Stream: ESPN
Are the Bulls a Threat?
The Bulls never looked like a playoff team at any stage of the year. But they are one win away from facing the Boston Celtics in the first round. They scored a comfortable 131-116 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, but they meet a much harder opponent in the Heat.
Miami loves playing this time of the year, so that’s what the Bulls have to get past at Kaseya Center on Friday. Playing on the road has been tough for the 19-22 team, who are the NBA betting odds underdog at +1.5.
We are surprised by how close the line is. However, the betting markets are closer because there is an injury concern to Jimmy Butler.
At face value, the Bulls are up against it. They have a talented team albeit lacking in playoff experience. And this is one of their highest-pressure games in recent history. If DeMar DeRozan gets hot, the Bulls are a threat. He averages 24 points per game and has been playing some of his best basketball at the right time.
DeRozan scored 30 points against the Knicks before scoring 22 points against the Hawks on 10-for-19 shooting. He’s playing well enough to get the Bulls over the line and cover the Bulls vs Heat betting line.
Butler in Doubt
The only reason the Heat are only -1.5 favorites with NBA betting odds is because Butler has potentially suffered a serious knee injury. Reports haven’t been confirmed, but the Heat could be without their inspirational leader for their most important game of the year. Butler couldn’t be more important to his team, but we’re prepared to entertain the Heat’s chances even if he doesn’t play.
Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo are good enough to step up in his absence, and Bulls vs Heat betting odds understand this.
Having gone 2-2 with the Bulls during the regular season, the Heat should still feel comfortable with home-court advantage, regardless of who is on the court. They went down fighting against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, losing 105-104 despite holding a double-figure lead at one point. Herro had a good game, which gives coach Erik Spoelstra confidence.
“We will do this the hard way,” Spoelstra said. “That has to be the path right now. We’re going to rest up, treat up, rally around each other up, get ready for Friday. Again, embrace these competitive games. It will be competitive in front of our home fans.”
NBA playoff odds have the Heat picked to win, and they could justify the odds in front of their adoring fans.
Playoff Heat Hits Different
The Heat have been one of the best NBA teams to bet on in the playoffs over the last 10 years, and we can’t see that changing. Regardless of Butler’s status, the Heat should rise to the occasion and pressure the Bulls, who would not look right as the eighth seed.
We hold nothing against the Bulls. But a 39-43 team does not deserve to make the playoffs, especially given how strong the Eastern Conference has been. Hence, we’re prepared to take the Heat -1.5, which would move depending on Butler’s availability. We’re also including under 209 because it should be a low-scoring game.
Despite the Bulls scoring 131 points against the Hawks, the Heat’s defense is significantly better. It should result in a classic low-scoring battle between desperate teams.
Bulls vs Heat Odds
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