Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat Picks and Predictions April 16th 2025

Bulls Host Heat in Play-In Duel, but Injuries Could Shift the Edge

The Chicago Bulls may have home-court advantage and a season sweep over the Miami Heat, but as Wednesday’s Eastern Conference play-in game approaches, it’s clear that health — not history — may be the biggest factor. With multiple key injuries in the backcourt, the ninth-seeded Bulls face serious questions heading into a win-or-go-home matchup against the battle-tested 10th-seeded Heat.

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Bulls Banged Up Where It Hurts Most

Chicago (39-43) finished the season on a high note, winning six of their final seven games, including three straight. Despite that surge — and winning all three matchups against Miami this season — the Bulls are staring at a possible point guard crisis.

Lonzo Ball (wrist) is unlikely to play, Josh Giddey (forearm/wrist) is questionable, and Tre Jones remains in a walking boot.

“Unless there’s something that happens significantly between now and Wednesday, my feeling is [Ball] probably would not be available,” said head coach Billy Donovan.

The biggest concern is Giddey, who has been playing through injury most of the season and missed the final two games. If available, he could be a difference-maker. Giddey has torched the Heat in three meetings this season, averaging a triple-double: 26.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 10.0 assists while shooting over 58 percent from the floor.

“He’s trying to manage it as best he can,” Donovan added. “Even for him, an extra day of rest would maybe help the healing process.”

In his last 19 games, Giddey has been on a near-All-Star level tear, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists — a critical component to Chicago’s recent momentum.

Heat Lean on Experience Despite Late Skid

Miami (37-45) enters the play-in on shakier ground, having dropped four of their final six games. However, head coach Erik Spoelstra’s squad still features a core that has been through the playoff wars — including a Finals appearance just last season.

Tyler Herro (career-high 23.9 PPG and 5.5 APG) and Bam Adebayo (18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG) both sat out the finale with seeding already locked in but are expected back Wednesday. The duo has consistently contributed all season — and their availability will be a major edge.

“It was also something they both wanted to do,” Spoelstra said of their consistent presence. “Be available, be there for the team… it definitely could have looked different.”

Herro has averaged 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists against Chicago this season, while Adebayo has chipped in 21.0 points and nearly seven boards per contest.

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Jaime Jaquez Jr., another bright spot, is coming off a career-high 41-point effort in the regular-season finale, proving Miami still has untapped weapons beyond their stars.

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Grit Meets Grit — But Depth and Health Will Decide

The Bulls have had the Heat’s number this year, but the possible absence of multiple key guards could tip the balance. Meanwhile, Miami’s playoff pedigree, combined with a healthy Herro-Adebayo combo, gives them a serious shot to flip the script — even on the road.

Expect a tightly contested, physical matchup where every possession counts. And keep a close eye on Giddey’s status, which may ultimately determine whether the Bulls can extend their season.