NBA Play-In Tournament Pick & Prediction: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat (37-45) and Chicago Bulls (39-43) are both aiming for a playoff spot when they battle on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 PM ET in the NBA Play-In Eastern Conference showdown. The action will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, where the Bulls are favored with a point spread at -1.5 (-105) at MyBookie. 

Miami Heat Betting Preview

The Heat are 2-3 over their previous five games and need to find consistency as they face potential elimination from the playoffs in their upcoming battle. They are coming off a 119-118 loss to the Washington Wizards, which is not appealing since the Wizards only had 19 wins on the season after that one.

Jamie Jaquez Jr. made 17 of his 25 shots and dropped 41 points while also grabbing 10 boards. They rested key players such as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro to prepare for the Play-In, but should have most of their key players ready here.

Miami is averaging 110.6 points each game, which ranks 24th in the league. Defensively they rank seventh for allowing 110.0 points from opponents each game. If they can produce more on offense, they will have better opportunities to win each game since their defense is solid.

The Heat are 21st for their offensive efficiency in each 100 possessions. Their defensive efficiency ranks ninth in each 100 possessions. For their efforts on both ends of the floor combined, the Heat rank 15th for efficiency.

Chicago Bulls Betting Preview

The Bulls have won their last three games, showing great momentum at the right time. Their recent success was a 122-102 blowout over the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition, they also defeated the Heat 119-111 to kick off this win streak last week.

Kevin Huerter landed five three point shots and made six of his 11 shots from the field to lead them in scoring. Collectively, the Bulls made 45.6 percent of their shots and allowed the Sixers to make 38.3.

Chicago has been putting up 117.8 points each game, ranking sixth. Their defense has been lacking at allowing 119.4 points per contest from opposing teams and ranking 28th. They would be much more appealing each game if their defense tightened up.

The Bulls are 20th for their offensive efficiency per their last 100 possessions. In 100 of their last defensive possessions, their efficiency ranks 18th. Their overall efficiency at both ends of the floor combined ranks 20th. 

Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

Check out MyBookie for the best Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls betting odds, which currently shows the Bulls as 1.5-point favorites. The Bulls have a 67.9 percent chance of winning this battle, according to market research.

The Bulls are slightly more appealing at home with a 18-23 record while the Heat are 17-23 on the road. The Bulls have also defeated the Heat in all three meetings this season. Look for the Bulls to cover the spread.

Final Pick: Chicago Bulls -1.5 (-105)