Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat on Monday, December 21 looks like a mismatch on paper. Our ratings give the Heat about a 78% chance, and the Bulls would need an unusual night to change that.
Why the gap is wide
The Win Meter reads the Heat 78%, with a projected score of Chicago Bulls 110, Miami Heat 118. The rating gap is 116 points in favor of the Heat, and home court and rest add about 100 rating points for the Heat on top of that.
A reading this high has real meaning, but upsets of this size happen. Nearly one game in 5 like it goes the other way.
Recent form
The Bulls are 1-1 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -14. The Heat are 0-1 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of +1.8.
The Bulls were beaten 135-92 on the road by TOR not long ago.
The Heat's best recent win was 143-117 at home against ATL.
The Heat were beaten 131-106 at home by MIN not long ago.
Injuries to watch
Out: Nicolas Claxton (CHI), expected back Nov 4, 2026.
Day to day or questionable: Vladislav Goldin (MIA) and Dru Smith (MIA). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the series is even, with the Heat outscoring the Bulls by an average of 9 points per game. The last meeting was CHI 91, MIA 134.