Paging Chicago, hello. Are there any healthy players left on the roster? The Bulls will be extremely short-handed as they prepare for a date with the Heat on Saturday night.
Injuries have taken their toll, but an additional five players are in health and safety protocols. This cost them dearly when they met the Cavs, getting absolutely blown out from the start.
They had a great offseason and possess a ton of talent, but if the players are not on the court, it won’t make much of a difference. They have the bare minimum number of guys needed to play, as seven will miss their game here. They did just add Alfonzo McKinnie with the hardship exception, and he could slide right into the starting lineup or a key bench role right off the bat.
As for the Heat, they have a 15-11 record to this point. They are without Bam Adebayo for at least another month, which has been a big loss. Jimmy Butler is going to miss another game for them here, as he deals with a tailbone injury. Duncan Robinson is also questionable with a tailbone injury, and despite his struggles at home, they could really use him for insurance.
Zach LaVine and Tyler Herro will both be looking to guide their short-handed squads to win. And this will still be a fun game to watch. 8:00 PM ET tip.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Saturday night is set at MIA -1. The over/under is sitting at 209.5 points. The CHI moneyline is -106, while MIA is -115.
Bulls Seeking Eighteenth Win
17-9 is a pretty darn good start for a Bulls team that has missed the playoffs every year since trading away Jimmy Butler. Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade were on this team during its last playoff trip, which tells you just how wacky things can be. This is a talented bunch, even dealing with all the injuries and health protocols.
They still have Zach LaVine on the floor with All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic. The other players have been around the team long enough to know how to contribute when called upon. With Jimmy and Bam out, they still have a chance.
They need to win the 3-pt battle and rebound it well.
Miami Seeking Home Win
15-11 is an okay start for the Heat. Bam and Jimmy missing games left and right is certainly not going to do them any favors, though. They should feel very fortunate to have Kyle Lowry for a situation like this, needing to find their mojo and up the ante.
He is an NBA champ who has long been overlooked in the point guard rankings. At just 6’0, he defends at a high level and can be an electric shot maker when his team needs it. The team is looking to play their best basketball from here on out.
Look for him and Herro to combine for big nights for the Heat.
Bulls Win
Super short-handed and still going to win? You got it. LaVine will hang 45 in this one to guide Chicago.
Betting Picks: CHI +1, OVER 209.5
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