CHICAGO (WLS) -- The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Chicago Bulls prepare to face off against the Miami Heat in a pivotal NBA Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday night, April 16, 2025. With tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago, both teams are vying for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls come into this matchup with a record of 39-43, placing them ninth in the Eastern Conference, while the Heat, with a 37-45 record, sit in tenth. The winner of this crucial game will advance to compete for the eighth seed in the playoffs, making every possession count.
Fans are expected to fill the United Center as they rally behind their team, hoping to witness a victory that could mark the Bulls’ first playoff appearance since 2022. This season has seen the Bulls finish ninth in the Eastern Conference for the third consecutive year, but they are determined to break that cycle and make a deeper playoff run.
Historically, the Bulls have struggled against the Heat in the Play-In Tournament, having lost to them in the eighth-place game in both 2023 and 2024. However, Chicago boasts a perfect record against Miami this season, winning all three regular-season matchups. This sets the stage for a thrilling encounter as the teams clash once again.
In their recent performance, the Bulls showcased their shooting prowess, ranking third in the league with an average of 15.4 made three-pointers per game, hitting 36.7% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Coby White has been a standout player, leading the team with an average of 2.9 three-pointers made per game at a shooting percentage of 37.0%. The Bulls also average 117.8 points per game, significantly outpacing the Heat, who allow an average of 110.0 points.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat have had their share of ups and downs this season. They are currently ranked ninth in the NBA for defensive rebounds, averaging 33.7 per game, with Bam Adebayo leading the charge at 7.2 boards per game. The Heat are also known for their three-point shooting, averaging 13.7 made three-pointers per game, slightly edging the Bulls in that category.
In terms of injuries, both teams are dealing with key absences. The Heat will be without Nikola Jovic (hand) and Kevin Love (conditioning), while the Bulls will miss Lonzo Ball (wrist) and Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder). However, both teams will have some crucial players available, including Josh Giddey for the Bulls, who is expected to make a significant impact.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on the starting lineups. For the Bulls, the starting five includes Josh Giddey, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vucevic. The Heat counter with Tyler Herro, Alec Burks, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware. The match-up between Herro and White will be particularly exciting, as both players have shown they can light up the scoreboard.
Fans are buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to support their teams in this elimination game. The atmosphere in the United Center is expected to be electric, with both franchises looking to secure a place in the playoffs and continue their journey toward the coveted NBA Championship.
As the Bulls and Heat take to the court, the question remains: who will emerge victorious and claim the right to fight for the eighth seed in the playoffs? With the stakes this high, anything can happen in the world of NBA basketball.
As the game unfolds, updates will be provided throughout the night, keeping fans engaged and informed on every play, every shot, and every moment that could determine the outcome of this critical Play-In Tournament clash.
For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with streaming options available through various platforms. Fans can also tune in to the radio broadcast on AM 560 Sports WQAM and the HEAT Radio Network.
The excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher for these two teams. As the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat prepare to battle it out, the basketball world will be watching closely to see who will advance and who will face elimination in this thrilling NBA Play-In Tournament.
