For the second straight season, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat hook up for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Last season, the Heat trailed 85-80 with under six minutes remaining in regulation before going on a 22-6 run down the stretch to stun the Bulls with a 102-91 victory to advance to the playoffs.
In that game, Jimmy Butler scored 31 points against his former team to jump-start Miami’s run to the NBA Finals.
However, Butler is sidelined for Friday’s rematch with a sprained MCL suffered in Wednesday’s one-point defeat at Philadelphia.
Bulls vs. Heat odds
Spread: Bulls +1.5 (-110), Heat -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +102, Heat -120
Total: Over 206.5 (-110), Under 206.5 (-110)
Odds via FanDuel
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Bulls vs. Heat prediction
The Heat will try to grab the eighth seed in the East for a possible conference finals rematch with the Celtics if Miami can get past Chicago.
The Bulls blew out the Hawks, 131-116, on Wednesday to keep their season alive, also marking the fourth consecutive cover for Billy Donovan’s team.
Coby White dropped 42 points in the win, marking the fourth time in five games he has scored at least 20 points.
The two teams split four matchups this season as each squad won at home and on the road. However, these teams haven’t faced off since December.
Since the start of March, the Bulls have picked up several impressive road victories at Sacramento, Minnesota, Golden State and Indiana.
Bulls vs. Heat Pick
In spite of Butler’s absence, Miami can turn to Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to pick up the scoring load.
As long as the Heat can receive contributions from Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kevin Love and other role players, they have a good chance overcome Butler being sidelined and advance to the first round of the playoffs.
Let’s back the Heat as a short home favorite to cover against the Bulls.
Pick: Heat -1.5 (-105 at Caesars)
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