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Heat vs. Bulls prediction: Why Miami is favored to win Thursday's NBA matchup [1/8/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls predictions for NBA Thursday.
The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat will meet in NBA action at United Center on Thursday, with tipoff at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulations and today’s injury updates, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Heat as the most likely winner of the Heat vs. Bulls game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Bulls lineup will feature stars like Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and Matas Buzelis, while the Heat will rely on Norman Powell, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
This article offers further insights into Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Heat vs. Bulls prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the outcome of Thursday's NBA matchup between the Heat and Bulls 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Heat a 70% chance of defeating the Bulls. Our predicted final score has the Heat winning 121-115.
According to our model, the Bulls (+6.5) have a 54% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 236.5 points has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Heat vs. Bulls odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Heat | Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -6.5 (-115) | +6.5 (+100) |
| Moneyline | -245 | +205 |
| Total | o236.5 (-110) | u236.5 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Heat vs. Bulls picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Bulls +6.5 | +100 |
| Moneyline | Heat | -245 |
| Total | Under 236.5 | -105 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Bulls +6.5 at the spread.
Heat vs. Bulls player props
Betting on Miami vs. Chicago NBA prop bets? We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at United Center.
Norman Powell is expected to lead the Heat with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while Nikola Vucevic is projected to have 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the Bulls.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Heat prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Heat are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norman Powell | 22 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 35 |
| Tyler Herro | 20 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 37 |
| Bam Adebayo | 17 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 39 |
| Andrew Wiggins | 15 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 31 |
| Jaime Jaquez | 13 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 28 |
Bulls prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Bulls:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Vucevic | 18 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 43 |
| Coby White | 18 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 32 |
| Matas Buzelis | 18 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 36 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 15 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 31 |
| Tre Jones | 14 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 34 |
Heat vs. Bulls game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's matchup between the Bulls and Heat at United Center is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: United Center
Conclusion
We predict the Heat, with a 70% win probability, will likely beat the Bulls on Thursday, with Nikola Vucevic projected for a game-high 43 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Heat vs. Bulls insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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