Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat (01-08-2026) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more

On January 8, 2026, the Chicago Bulls (17-20) will face the Miami Heat (20-17) at United Centre in an attempt to end a three-game losing streak. Right now, the Heat are a commanding 7-point favorite over the Bulls. The Heat have scored more than 241.5 points in 16 (out of 37) of their games this year.

This season, the Bulls have participated in 15 games (40.5% of possibilities) where both teams have scored more than 241.5 points. The overall number of points in the game is 241.5. In this position, the Heat are the more rested, more complete, and more seasoned club. Miami seems like the best team to lay the points on Thursday night because Chicago is short-staffed and on the wrong track.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat - When and where to watch the game

The Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET. The venue is set to be the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, FDSSUN, CHSN, and NBA TV will broadcast the entire match. Furthermore, Fubo and Prime Videos will telecast the match for the online users.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat - Expected Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls

PG Tre Jones
SG Kevin Huerter
SF Isaac Okoro
PF Matas Buzelis
C Nikola Vucevic

Miami Heat

PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Isaiah Stewart
C Paul Reed

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat - Injury Report

Chicago Bulls

• Coby White- Day-to-day (Injury management)
• Jalen Smith- Out (Concussion)
• Zach Collins- Out (Sprained right toe)
• Josh Giddey- Out (Hamstring)
• Noa Essengue- Out (Shoulder surgery)

Miami Heat

• Jaime Jaquez Jr.- Out (Ankle)
• Terry Rozier- Out (Placed on immediate leave)

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat - Game Prediction

The Heat lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-94 on Tuesday, falling short of covering as 5.5-point road underdogs as the Under (238.5). In the loss, Miami made eighteen turnovers. Due to a difficult injury scenario, Chicago will now play on the second night of a back-to-back, which is a dangerous combination.

The Bulls' lack of offensive depth due to the absence or limitations of key playmakers makes it even more difficult to defeat a Heat club that is improving with Herro's return. On the other hand, The Bulls lost to the Detroit Pistons 108-93 on Wednesday, dropping their third straight game. As 8-point away underdogs, Chicago was unable to cover the Under (228.5) hit.

Covering five of the previous seven games and defeating Chicago in the last two matchups, they have quietly been strong at the window. Inside, this matchup is similarly well-positioned. The Bulls have had a terrible time protecting the paint.


Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls (12-19-2025) game preview: When and where to watch, expected lineup, injury report, prediction, and more



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