maybe we can start better than 1-22 this time?

It would be just like the Bulls to decide to blow it up, and instantly turn things around despite Zach actively asking for a trade.

The Heat are favored by a mere 1.5 points in Chicago.

Alex Caruso (toe) is listed as probable, which is good news. Dalen Terry (knee) is listed as doubtful.

Tyler Herro (grade 2 ankle sprain) is out for the Heat. R.J. Hampton (knee) is also out.

As we all know, the Heat just blew a 21 point lead against the Bulls on Saturday, so they shouldn’t take the Bulls for granted. Both of these teams are struggling on offense but are stronger on defense, with the Heat ranked slightly ahead of the Bulls at both ends of the floor.

But despite the Heat being 8-5 and the Bulls being 5-9, statistically the teams aren’t very far apart. The Bulls’ record is more representative of their team stats than the Heat’s record – in other words, the Heat have been a little lucky so far. At the moment, both are playing like below-average teams, and not even mid-level teams.

The Heat rank 20th in schedule-adjusted offensive rating, 8th in adjusted defensive rating, and 22nd in pace of play. The Bulls rank 25th in schedule-adjusted offensive rating, 13th in adjusted defensive rating, and 29th in pace of play.

https://dunksandthrees.com

So expect a slow paced, relatively low-scoring game. It’s probably going to be ugly, but keeping it ugly is likely the Bulls’ best chance to win.

That said, if the Bulls win it wouldn’t change my opinion about their disappointing start. The Heat just aren’t as good as their win-loss record suggests.