The Miami Heat can close out their second-round NBA betting series against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as the two teams hit the hardwood in Game 5 of the best-of-seven set.
Miami extended their series lead to 3-1 in Game 4 on Monday night with an 88-65 victory over Chicago as an 8-point road favorite on the NBA odds. LeBron James led the way for the Heat with 27 points in that win, and Chris Bosh added 14 points.
Supporters of the Bulls have seen them go 45-37 and 36-46 ATS so far this season, while the Heat are at 66-16 and 46-36 ATS. (Note: follow us on Twitter for line updates and injuries news). In totals betting, the Heat are 43-39, while the Bulls are 37-45.
View Chicago vs Miami Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
The visitors opened this morning as 14-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while the total was hovering around 183 at Sportsbook and other shops.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game pits the Heat, currently No. 6 in the Odds Shark NBA Power Rankings, against the Bulls, who rate No. 13 in the most recent survey. Meanwhile, math and computer handicapping models run on this game predict a 104-96 victory for the Heat.
How They Match Up:
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Bulls rank No. 8 in the league with 43.2 per game. That compares with Miami’s No. 30 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Miami is the NBA’s No. 3-ranked team at 8.7 per game, while the Bulls rate No. 29 with 5.4 per contest.
Defensively, the Bulls feature the league's No. 4-rated defense on the road, giving up 94.9 points per game. Miami, meanwhile, comes in at No. 4 in the league in scoring at home.
Last time out for Miami, they were an 88-65 Sportsbook as they battled the Bulls on the road. The Heat covered in the match as an 8-point favorite, while 153 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. Miami cruised to victory on Monday, running Chicago out of the gym and running up an 88-65 score at United Center.
Chicago Bulls Trends:
When playing on Wednesday are 10-0
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Miami Heat Trends:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Chicago are 8-2
After playing Chicago are 9-1
After a win are 9-1
A few Bulls at Heat trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games
Miami is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Miami is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Miami, Friday, May 17
Miami at Chicago, Friday, May 17
