Heat take on Bulls at home
Just a week ago Miami lost to the Bulls in Chicago. A clutch three-point shot by C.J Watson forced overtime, in which the Miami Heat were extinguished. Strong bench play and overall depth seemed to be the key to that game, as Derrick Rose shot 1-13 from the field.
Today the Heat will make an attempt to redeem themselves, as Chicago visit the American Airlines Arena. Since the back-to-back losses to Boston and Chicago, Miami has won 4 straight games led by the great play of LeBron James. Dwyane Wade has been sitting out when facing weaker teams, while putting on his jersey as the Heat take on top teams.
Miami are coming off a victory against the Toronto Raptors. The Heat managed to win the game, even with Wade nursing his injuries and Bosh resting. The Raptors were holding on to a lead for a good period of time, but LeBron took over in the 3rd quarter. James scored 28 points in the game on an efficient 12-15 shooting night, in just 30 minutes of play. James sat out the 4th quarter, as the Heat bench managed to close the game out. Miami won the 4th quarter 22-12, ending the game 96-72 in their favor.
The Bulls are coming off a blowout victory against the Bobcats, winning the game 100-68. Both Deng and Rose were out in the game, as Richard Hamilton led the team with 22 points.
Wade and Bosh are expected to be playing against the Bulls tonight, while Derrick Rose is listed as day-to-day and Luol Deng has a rib injury. Even if the two stars of Chicago were to miss the game, Miami need to gear up for a tough game. This is an important game for Miami to further build momentum as we are approaching the playoffs.
Miami is currently 2.5 games behind Chicago, which in turn means that a victory for the Bulls would secure them the number 1 seed in the East. The fight for the top seed adds more incentive to today’s game, as both teams would like to avoid playing the red-hot Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. The Knicks remaining schedule is relatively easy, and if they were to stay in the 7th seed they would match up with whoever finishes 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference.