The Chicago Bulls can now focus on the Miami Heat after defeating the struggling Philadelphia 76ers 122-102. On Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. CT, the Bulls and Heat will play in the opening round of the Play-In Tournament at the United Center. This is Chicago’s sixth nationally televised game of the season, and the fight will be shown on ESPN.
The winner of the fight will be the eighth seed on Friday, April 18. The winner of the Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks first-round matchup will face the next opponent. TNT will broadcast the last Eastern Conference Play-In match. It will be the Bulls’ first TNT game of the season if Chicago progresses.
The time of the Bulls vs. Heat game has been revealed.
Matchups for #SoFiPlayIn are set!
Tuesday on TNT: #8 Hawks vs. #7 Magic at 7:30 p.m. ET; #8 Grizzlies vs. #7 Warriors at 10:00 p.m.
ESPN on Wednesday: #10 Heat vs. #9 Bulls at 7:30 p.m. ET; #10 Mavericks vs. #9 Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET
— NBA April 14, 2025 (@NBA)
This season, Chicago has a 3-0 record versus Miami. In their first game after Zach LaVine, the Bulls defeated the Heat on February 4. The Bulls scored 133 points against a top-10 Heat defense without their top scorer in the lineup. Leading the way in the triumph over Miami were Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis, who appeared to portend the later portion of Chicago’s season. Together, the three scored 70 points.
The Heat traded their greatest player before to the trade deadline, much like the Bulls did. But on February 5, one day after the Play-In rivals’ first meeting, Miami traded Butler. As a result, Miami faced Chicago for the first time without Butler on March 8. The Chicago team won 114-109 in the second of three games. With 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, Giddey was once again the star. White, who scored 21, was not far behind.
Less than a week has passed since the third affair. On April 9, the Bulls prevailed 119-111 in a crucial matchup thanks to another outstanding Giddey performance. The 22-year-old’s triple-double was an unprecedented feat. Giddey recorded two steals, three blocks, 11 assists, grabbed 16 rebounds, and scored 28 points. The remaining five players in the starting lineup contributed 77 points to the win.
Bulls injuries prior to the Play-In Tournament Chicago’s rise in the second part of the season and its victories against Miami have been fueled by Giddey. Giddey probably will not be at his best in the season’s fourth meeting, though. Due to a right wrist injury, the Australian missed two of Chicago’s previous three games. While the Bulls went to Philadelphia, he stayed in the Windy City to get treated.
On the plus side, Giddey’s suitup versus the Heat is much anticipated, according to Billy Donovan. The triple-double threat himself said “postseason hoops [on the way]” in his Instagram Story, perhaps reaffirming Donovan’s optimism.
The Bulls will be missing guards Tre Jones and Lonzo Ball, but Giddey should be fine. Due to a sprained wrist, the former has missed the entirety of March and April. Although he is unlikely to play in the Play-In Tournament, Ball might be able to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round if the Bulls advance. Last but not least, Jones has missed 11 straight games due to a sprain to his left midfoot and has not yet been given a comeback date.
