The 2022-23 season is finally upon us, and the Chicago Bulls are set to kick things off against an Eastern Conference rival that has historically had the upper hand by a significant margin over the last two decades. The team I’m referring to is, of course, none other than the Miami Heat.
With a full offseason to rest his legs and even more time to consider if he was keeping his questionable hairstyle choice, former Bull Jimmy Butler will lead his team for a home opener against a Chicago squad that has a chip on its shoulder. The Bulls made a few moves at the margins to improve the roster while the Heat will struggle to account for the loss of P.J. Tucker in the starting lineup.
For this reason, I think this matchup may end up being much closer than originally anticipated as these two well-rounded teams are bound to leave a memorable first impression on this new season. Here’s everything you need to know before the game tips off.
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat
- Date: October 19, 2022
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m CT
- Where: FTX Arena, Miami, FL
- Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, NBA TV
- Stream: FuboTV
Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heats Odds, Spread, Over/Under
- Favorite: Heat (-7)
- Over/under: 216.5 points
- Moneyline: +245 Chicago/-300 Miami
Gambling odds and information courtesy of FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Displayed odds current as of Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. CT.
Projected Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup and Injury Report
- PG: Ayo Dosunmu
- SG: Alex Caruso
- SF: DeMar DeRozan
- PF: Patrick Williams
- C: Nikola Vucevic
- IR: Out – Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine; Probable – Javonte Green, Alex Caruso
Now that the preseason has ended, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine will slide back into the starting lineup after sitting out against Milwaukee on Tuesday. Although Javonte Green recently received a promotion to the starting lineup, he suffered a hip pointer injury in practice and remains probable to start the season. I expect the coaching staff to ease Green back in slowly, meaning Patrick Williams will reassume his place in the starting five after a very temporary time way. Justin Lewis was also recently waived from his two-way contract spot, meaning Lonzo Ball is the only Bull still out indefinitely.
Patrick Williams will be our starting Power Forward in our Season-Opener vs. Miami, per Billy Donovan. pic.twitter.com/6EGHQBUy1T
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 18, 2022
Zach LaVine being ruled out for tonight’s game was an unexpected turn of events, and without him I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bulls find themselves in trouble early on against a disciplined Heat squad.
Bulls list Zach LaVine questionable for opener vs. Heat because of left knee injury management. Alex Caruso is probable with a left calf contusion. Lonzo Ball obviously is out.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 18, 2022
Staff Predictions
The Heat have been a nearly insurmountable challenge for the Chicago Bulls as of late, as Miami has emerged victorious in all four meetings last season and 13 of the previous 16 games played against each other, dating back to 2018. While a win would be nice, it’s hard to have your hopes too high when the two best guards on the roster will miss the season opener. Just seeing the Bulls play as a cohesive unit instead of relying on DeRozan to iso against a well-coached Spoelstra defense would be more than enough to make me happy here.
Bulls 102, Heat 114
Bulls Upcoming Schedule
- Oct. 21 @ Washington Wizards (0-0)
- Oct. 22 vs Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)
- Oct. 24 vs Boston Celtics (0-0)