Chicago Bulls (39-43) vs Miami Heat (37-45)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm
My selection is on Miami plus the points over Chicago at 7:30 pm et on Wednesday.
While the Bulls have had Miami's number this season, sweeping the three-game season series, this sets up as a strong bounce-back spot for the Heat. Chicago comes in riding a wave of momentum, winners of three straight games both straight-up and against the spread, including an 8-point win over Miami just last week. But it's worth noting that the Bulls shot exceptionally well in that game, going 46-for-89 from the field. Asking them to duplicate that shooting effort under the heightened pressure of an elimination game is a stretch.
Meanwhile, Miami has remained offensively sharp despite its late-season skid, connecting on 43 or more field goals in each of its last five games — including a season-high 58 makes in one contest. That offensive consistency should serve the Heat well here, especially against a Chicago team that has allowed 90+ field goal attempts in 10 of its last 11 games. The Bulls were able to pad their late-season win total against tanking teams like the Wizards and Sixers, but they'll face a more focused and efficient attack on Wednesday.
Chicago hasn't been nearly as effective when laying points, and this will be their first time favored over Miami all season. That dynamic could flip the pressure squarely onto the Bulls’ shoulders, whereas the Heat are a more experienced postseason group that knows how to play in tight games. This one should go down to the wire, and I like the value on Miami catching points in this do-or-die spot.
Take Miami. Projected score: Heat 115, Bulls 112.
Sean’s Pick Miami Heat: +1 -106
AUTHOR: Sean Murphy
