Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Thursday January 8 2026

By: Kyle Kargel Published 01/08/2026, 07:56 AM ET
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Heat vs Bulls picks are in focus Thursday night as Miami heads back to Chicago for the second meeting of the season, and this matchup looks very different than it did back in November. With recent form, injuries, and market movement all pointing in the same direction, there is clear value to be found for bettors scanning tonight’s NBA picks.

TLDR - Picks and Prediction

  • Spread Pick: Miami -7
  • Total Pick: Under 238
  • Projected Final Score: Heat 116, Bulls 105
  • Miami won the first meeting 143-107 on November 21.
  • Chicago has averaged just 97.7 points per game over its last three contests.
  • Each of Chicago’s last three games has stayed under the total by an average of 27.2 points.
  • Miami’s last four games have averaged 229.3 total points.
  • Over the last ten games, Chicago ranks 20th in offensive rating.
  • Chicago ranks 19th in true shooting percentage over that same span.

Odds and Line Movement

Current Odds

Team Spread Odds
Miami -7 -110
Chicago +7 -110
Total Over Under
238 -114 -106

Line Movement - Spread

Date Time Heat Bulls
01/07 07:37:33PM -6 (-110) +6 (-110)
01/07 08:20:35PM -6 (-112) +6 (-108)
01/07 11:00:28PM -7 (-110) +7 (-110)

Line Movement - Total

Date Time Over Under
01/07 07:37:33PM 241 (-110) 241 (-110)
01/08 00:13:06AM 241 (-106) 241 (-114)
01/08 07:46:05AM 238 (-114) 238 (-106)

Heat vs Bulls Game Preview and Analysis

Miami dominated the first meeting in late November, running Chicago out of the building in a 36-point road win. While that margin is unlikely to repeat itself, the underlying matchup issues remain. Chicago’s offense is simply not equipped right now to keep pace with competent defensive teams.

The Bulls are on the second leg of a back-to-back after a loss in Detroit, and the recent offensive numbers are alarming. Chicago has failed to reach 100 points in three straight games, and several starters struggled mightily from the floor on Wednesday. This is not the same up-tempo team that opened the season.

Miami is also coming off a poor showing, losing by 28 in Minnesota, but their recent totals tell a different story than the market number. The Heat’s last four games have averaged well below the opening total we are seeing here, and Miami remains far more stable offensively and defensively than Chicago.

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Unless Chicago gets unexpected offensive production, this game sets up as another slow, inefficient night for the Bulls. With Miami healthier and better positioned to control the tempo, the Heat should be able to create separation and keep this game under the number.

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MIA and CHI Key Injuries and Notes

  • CHI: Josh Giddey missed Wednesday’s game.
  • CHI: Coby White and Jalen Smith are questionable to return.
  • CHI: Zach Collins also missed the previous contest.
  • MIA: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is questionable with an ankle injury.

Final Score Prediction

  • Heat 116
  • Bulls 105

ATS and Total Picks

  • Against the Spread: Miami -7
  • Total: Under 238
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