The Miami Heat host the Chicago Bulls on Friday with the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed up for grabs. The winner will head to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks this Sunday, while the loser will go home.
Here are my game predictions on the winner and final score. I will also include my Heat vs Bulls best bets.
Heat vs Bulls Odds
NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Thursday, April 13, at 5:00 PM. ET and were found at BetMGM Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Heat (-220) • Bulls (+184)
- Spread: Heat -5.5 (-110) • Bulls +5.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 208 (-110) • Under 208 (-110)
Heat vs Bulls Prediction
Heat 112, Bulls 105
I think the Miami Heat will prevail in this game. I expect them to come out with a renewed focus after falling behind early to Atlanta on Tuesday.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra is one of the best in the NBA. However, after seeing his team get off to such a slow start, he has hinted that there are likely changes in store to the starting lineup.
I expect him to push the right buttons concerning his personnel decisions.
Heat vs Bulls Best Bets
Heat -1.5 First Quarter (-115) • BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
My NBA pick of the day is banking on an aggressive mindset from the home squad.
Miami got punched in the mouth on Tuesday and never recovered. They allowed 36 points in the first quarter and 55 through the first 18 minutes of play. I expect a much different start out of the Heat on Friday.
Spoelstra will adjust Miami’s starting lineup to ensure they do not get off to another bad start. Miami will come out much stronger on Friday and finish the first quarter ahead by at least two points.
UNDER 51.5 Total Points in First Quarter (-115) • BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
I expect Spoelstra’s lineup adjustments to be based on the impact on the defensive end. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent are among the team’s worst defenders based on defensive rating, so I would not be surprised to see one or both players out of Friday’s starting lineup.
No matter who is on the floor to start, Miami will try to make this game a grind. Because of this, I am betting on a sluggish offensive start and for this game to go under the first-quarter total.
