With the 2026 NBA trade deadline only five days away, there are, of course, several more intriguing storylines to watch for both teams. But on the court, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat will face each other for the third time in four days, thanks to a Jan. 8 contest that was postponed after moisture crept onto the floor at the United Center.
The Heat are in the running for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, should the Bucks decide to move on from their two-time MVP. No other storyline is dominating the league like the Giannis Saga, and a 26-24 Heat team won't pull Miami fans away from it.
The Bulls, meanwhile, have their own trade deadline rumors swirling.
Chicago acquired Dario Saric and two second-round picks in the deal that sent Keon Ellis and Denis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for De'Andre Hunter. More moves from executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas may be on the way.
Josh Giddey out, Coby White in for Bulls
Giddey missed the first two games of this three-game slate between the two teams after he experienced a slight setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. It doesn't seem to be something that will keep him benched long term, but he'll be out again tonight.
White sat with an "injury management designation," as he's dealt with calf maladies for most of this season, but his name doesn't appear on the Feb. 1 injury report.
Nikola Vucevic, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones and Zach Collins also missed last night's contest. The latter three will miss tonight's game, though Vucevic will suit up.
Tyler Herro still sidelined for the Heat
Herro has yet to see the floor in any game against the Bulls this season; that streak will continue as the 26-year-old works his way back from a rib injury. (Herro is also one rumored centerpiece of a potential Antetokounmpo trade.)
Andrew Wiggins and Dru Smith are full participants tonight for Miami. Davion Mitchell is expected to play, while Norman Powell and Nikola Jovic are questionable.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (toe); Noa Essengue (shoulder); Josh Giddey (hamstring); Tre Jones (hamstring); Jalen Smith (calf)
Questionable: Kevin Huerter (back)
Miami Heat
Out: Tyler Herro (rib)
Doubtful: Nikola Jovic (hip)
Questionable: Norman Powell (personal reasons)
Probable: Davion Mitchell (shoulder)