Heat And Bulls Begin Historic Three-Game NBA Showdown

It’s not every day the NBA delivers a scheduling quirk that leaves fans, players, and coaches scratching their heads. Yet, that’s exactly what’s unfolding as the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls gear up for an unprecedented three-game regular-season series, beginning Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. The two teams, separated by just 1.5 games in the Eastern Conference standings, are set to meet three times in a row—a feat not seen in over half a century.

How did we get here? Well, it all started with a bizarre scene on January 8, when condensation on the United Center floor forced the postponement of a scheduled Heat-Bulls matchup. The culprit? A perfect storm of humidity and the ice beneath the court, thanks to the Blackhawks’ quick turnaround with the Capitals the following night. As the arena filled with fans, the situation worsened, and after more than an hour of waiting, the NBA called the game off. "I mean, it's crazy. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever had to deal with that in 11 seasons, which is kind of crazy," Heat guard Norman Powell said after the postponement. "Yeah, it's kind of tough. I mean, after the first like 30 minutes, I think you start to kind of like, 'All right, what are we doing?' Then another, you hear him say another 20 minutes, and then it's like, 'All right,' like, you really don't want to play and it's hard to get refocused."

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra echoed the team’s frustration and disappointment: "It was an unfortunate situation. Our guys had really prepared, and I felt like emotionally, we were geared up and ready to compete. Everybody was really looking forward to it. And it's just an odd situation to be in like that." The ripple effects of that night have now set the stage for a historic stretch of basketball, with the Heat and Bulls facing off in three consecutive games—the first such occurrence since 1972, when the Baltimore Bullets and Houston Rockets did the same.

The NBA’s rescheduling efforts have produced a unique scenario: the first game takes place in Chicago, followed by two contests at Miami’s Kaseya Center. To avoid overtaxing the Heat, who were originally slated to play the Orlando Magic on January 28 and the Bulls on January 30 and February 1, the league shifted the January 30 matchup to January 31. That means both teams get a breather between games, but fans get a playoff-like series in the dead of winter.

There’s more than just novelty at stake. Both teams find themselves in the thick of the Play-In Tournament race. As of January 29, the Heat hold a 25-23 record, clinging to the No. 8 seed, while the Bulls sit at 23-24, just behind at No. 10. With the regular-season series set to wrap up over these next three games, the outcome could play a decisive role in determining postseason seeding. Every possession, every adjustment, and every injury could tip the balance in this high-stakes chess match.

Speaking of injuries, both teams enter the series with significant absences and question marks. The Miami Heat will be without starting guard Davion Mitchell, who’s sidelined for a fifth consecutive game with a shoulder injury suffered against the Phoenix Suns on January 13. Tyler Herro, a key offensive weapon, remains out for the eighth straight contest due to a rib injury. Herro’s absence has been felt all season—he’s only managed to appear in 11 games so far. Center Kel’el Ware, who recently returned from a hamstring injury but logged just seven minutes against the Orlando Magic, is listed as questionable. On the bright side, all three of Miami’s two-way players—center Vlad Goldin, guard Jahmir Young, and forward Myron Gardner—will be available for the opener against Chicago, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

The Bulls, too, are battling the injury bug. Josh Giddey, one of their key contributors, will miss the first game as he’s being rested on the backend of a back-to-back set. Coach Billy Donovan revealed Giddey experienced some hamstring tightness following Wednesday’s game, casting doubt on his availability for the subsequent matchups on January 31 and February 1. Other Bulls nursing injuries include Jalen Smith (probable, calf), Tre Jones (out, hamstring), and Zach Collins (out, toe). Miami’s Norman Powell is probable with a back issue, and Ware is also probable, but both are expected to suit up barring any last-minute setbacks.

Projected starting lineups for the opener offer a glimpse into the adjustments both coaches will need to make. The Bulls are expected to roll out Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and Nikola Vucevic. The Heat, meanwhile, plan to start Kasparas Jakučionis, Norman Powell, Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, and Bam Adebayo. With so many regulars sidelined, the door is open for role players and young talent to step into the spotlight. Could this be the moment a lesser-known name etches himself into NBA lore?

Beyond the immediate playoff implications, there’s a psychological edge up for grabs. Miami has haunted Chicago in recent years, sending the Bulls home in three straight Play-In Tournaments—often in lopsided fashion. Their dominance even extended to their first regular-season meeting this year, when the Heat cruised to a jaw-dropping 143-107 victory. For the Bulls, these next three games offer a shot at redemption and a chance to shake off the narrative that Miami simply has their number. For the Heat, it’s about maintaining their mastery and building momentum as the postseason approaches.

Fans can catch the action on the Chicago Sports Network and FanDuel Sports Network Sun, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 P.M. Central Time at the United Center. The energy promises to be electric, with both squads hungry for a statement win and the chance to seize control of their playoff destiny.

As the opening tip draws near, all eyes are on the United Center floor—hopefully dry and safe this time around. With history on the line, injuries mounting, and playoff positions hanging in the balance, the Heat and Bulls are set to deliver a series that’s as unpredictable as it is important. The NBA world will be watching closely as these familiar foes write the next chapter in their rivalry, one slippery floor and one dramatic showdown at a time.

With the action about to unfold and no clear favorite in sight, the only certainty is that basketball fans are in for a wild, memorable ride as Miami and Chicago battle for postseason positioning and bragging rights in this rare, three-game regular-season saga.