Mar 27, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The game had plenty of highlights. Jimmy Butler threw down an amazing alley-oop over Chris Bosh, Nate Robinson hit a floater/finger roll over LeBron to essentially ice the game down the stretch, and LeBron himself provided more than a few highlights on his end. But ultimately, the Bulls did just enough to pull out the win, even as they were missing Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Marco Belinelli and Rip Hamilton.

Jimmy Butler scored 17 points and added 4 rebounds and 5 assists, Luol Deng had one of his best games of the year with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to go with excellent defense on LeBron, and Carlos Boozer finished with 21 and 17, although he was annoyingly shaky for much of the game.

For the Heat, LeBron scored 32, Bosh overcame a slow start to score 21 and Dwyane Wade added 18. Nobody else scored in double-figures for Miami, as the Bulls were able to force the Big Three to beat them on their own.

The Bulls have the next two days off before they travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The game will start at 1 p.m. central.

Jan 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) and Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during their game at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Both eastern conference teams will meet four times this season. During the first game of the season between the two, Chicago defeated the Heat 96-86 back on Jan. 4 in Miami. The Heat however came back and won on Feb. 21, defeating the Bulls 86-67 in Chicago.

The Heat, currently on a 27 win streak, try to extended it to 28 and go after the 33 game win streak set by the Los Angeles Lakers back in 1971-72. The (38-31) Bulls, still without Derrick Rose (although all indications presumed to him being active in the lineup) don’t expect the game to be easily won.

Although the Heat are on that win streak, they have hit some minor roadblocks, almost losing to the Cavaliers and Celtics. The Heat trailed Boston by 13 in the fourth quarter and the game against the Cavaliers, Miami was in a 27 point deficit at one point. Heat guard Dwyane Wade was also inactive for two games as he suffered a knee injury, so this streak is defiantly taking a toll on the team. All that said, neither team will have an theoretically have an advantage. Chicago without Derrick Rose and Miami getting rapidly tired.

If Chicago can’t beat the Heat tonight, all fingers indicate they’ll beat the Lakers streak, however Miami who have to play against a tough first-seeded western conference San Antonio team who just got Tony Parker back from a sprain ankle injury.

Nonetheless, the Heat will get a slight advantage as Joakim Noah, Richard Hamilton and Marco Belinelli are out.

Thibodeau said Belinelli is gametime but he didn’t do much at shootaround. I’d guess he’s out. Noah true gametime decision. Rose, Rip out.

— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 27, 2013

As well, Dwyane Wade is expected back in the lineup.

Heat announce Dwyane Wade (knee) participated in shootaround today and intends to play tonight in Chicago against Bulls. Had missed last 2.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) March 27, 2013

Probable starters for the Bulls:

1. Guard – Kirk Hinrich
2. Guard – Jimmy Butler
3. Forward – Luol Deng
4. Forward – Carlos Boozer
5. Center – Nazr Mohammed

Probable starters for the Cavaliers:

1. Guard- Mario Chalmers
2. Guard – Dwyane Wade
3. Forward – Lebron James
4. Forward – Udonis Haslem
5. Center – Chris Bosh

Location: United Center, Chicago, IL

Time: 7:00 p.m. CST/ 8:00 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN – National, CSN – Chicago, SunSpm - Miami

Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: ESPN 1000, WMVP, WAXY
Injury Report/Inactives:

Chicago - Joakim Noah (right foot), Taj Gibson (sprained right knee) are listed as day-to-day. Derrick Rose is out (right knee).

Cleveland – Dwyane Wade (sore right knee) is probable for Miami.