The Chicago Bulls will face the Miami Heat for the second time this season after suffering a lopsided loss in late November. Miami routed a shorthanded Bulls team 143–107 despite being without Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins, with eight Heat players scoring in double figures. The outburst marked the seventh time this season Miami has topped 140 points.
White set to return as Giddey remains sidelined
About six weeks later, the Heat will once again face the Bulls without a full backcourt, though this time it won’t be Coby White on the sideline. White missed the team’s first meeting due to what was labeled as calf injury management, but after sitting out last night’s game with the same designation, he’s expected to be available against Miami.
In the first matchup, Chicago held White out as he was still ramping up his conditioning. This time around, his absence was simply a scheduled rest day before returning to action. Chicago's other starting guard that will miss this matchup is Josh Giddey, who will be sidelined for a sixth straight game after suffering a hamstring strain on Dec. 29.
The latest addition to Chicago’s injury report is Kevin Huerter. The 6-foot-6 wing is listed as questionable with lower back tightness and is expected to be a true game-time decision.
Miami enters nearly at full strength
Miami enters round two with a nearly clean bill of health. While several players appear on the Heat’s injury report, only Jaime Jaquez Jr. carries any real concern. Jaquez Jr. is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain, an injury that has sidelined him for Miami’s last two games.
Additionally, the Heat list seven players as “available” despite carrying injury designations, most of whom have not missed recent action. The only notable inclusion is Tyler Herro, who missed 11 straight games but has since returned with a toe injury. Herro remains on the injury report ahead of the matchup with Chicago but is expected to play.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery), Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Jalen Smith (Concussion).
Questionable: Kevin Huerter (Right Low Back Tightness).
Miami Heat
Out: Terry Rozier (Not with team).
Questionable: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Right Ankle Sprain).
Available: Bam Adebayo (Lower Back Soreness), Tyler Herro ( Right Big Toe Contusion), Keshad Johnson (Low Back Spasms), Nikola Jovic (Left Groin Contusion), Pelle Larsson (Right Ankle Sprain), Norman Powell (Right Hamstring Strain), Dru Smith (Right Elbow Soreness).