NBA Play-In: Bulls-Heat Preview, Props & Prediction
Fri Apr 19 2:07pm ET
Field Level Media
Instead of counting on Jimmy Butler to lead the team into the postseason, the Miami Heat will be in full collective-effort mode when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in the loser-goes-home play-in game.
Butler will sit out with a sprained MCL in his right knee that was sustained during Wednesday's 105-104 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
THE ODDS
The Heat are anywhere from 1.5- to 2.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks despite Butler's absence. The line has held steady at 2.5 at BetMGM, where the money has been nearly split with Miami backed by 52 percent.
However, the Heat's +110 moneyline has been a clear favorite, drawing 74 percent of the money since opening at +115.
The consensus Over/Under is 205.5 points on Friday. The Over has been backed by 80 percent of the bets and 79 percent of the money at BetMGM.
PROP PICK
DeMar DeRozan Over 26.5 Points (-120 at BetMGM): The under on this prop has actually been the most popular player prop at the book for this matchup. The Bulls guard is averaging 24.0 points per game on the season. When the teams last met with two games in a three-day stretch in Miami in December, DeRozan poured in 27 and 23 points. DeRozan averaged 34.3 points over the final three regular-season games before scoring 22 in Wednesday's 131-116 win over Atlanta.
PREDICTION
The teams split four previous meetings this season and while Miami has the home-court advantage, the news that Butler may be done for the season has to weigh heavily on the Heat. It also opens the door for the Bulls to sneak out of South Florida with a hard-fought win. Prediction: Bulls 104, Heat 102
INJURY REPORT
Butler underwent an MRI exam Thursday that determined the severity. It is possible that Butler has played his final game of the 2023-24 season, whether or not the Heat win the pivotal game against Chicago.
"It felt like I couldn't do too much, which sucks with the timing of the game and everything," Butler said after the Philadelphia game. "I hope that I'm fine. ... Right now, I can't say that's the case."
Butler was injured in the first quarter of Wednesday's game and remained in the contest. He finished with 19 points but was just 5-of-18 shooting.
His lack of effectiveness was noticeable in the second half. Butler took just two shots -- making one -- in the final quarter.
"I wasn't able to do anything on either side of the ball," Butler said. "I think I hurt us more than I helped us, actually."
Miami guard Terry Rozier (neck) also has been ruled out of Friday's game. This will be his sixth straight missed game.
Bulls guard Alex Caruso is questionable with a sprained left ankle. He sustained the injury when teammate Andre Drummond was running up the court and stepped on his ankle. Drummond (left ankle) and Ayo Dosunmu (quadricep) also are questionable and played Wednesday despite their injuries.
THE NEWS
The Heat also will need better efforts from Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo against the Bulls. Herro scored 25 points against Philadelphia but made just nine of 27 shots. Adebayo had just 10 points but did collect 12 rebounds.
The loss to the 76ers leaves Miami in a similar position as last season when the Heat lost their first play-in game (to Atlanta) before beating Chicago 102-91 in the second contest to reach the playoffs. The Heat eventually advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Denver Nuggets.
Miami finished with a 15-1 burst to overcome the Bulls last season.
"I remember that plane ride back home vividly," DeRozan said. "Everybody was just frustrated. That feeling sucked. I know for me, that's one thing that's on my mind once I realized we were going back to Miami -- to not have that same feeling."
Against the Hawks on Wednesday, Coby White poured in 42 points -- a career best, though the game won't count toward official statkeeping -- to lead the way.
White also is fueled by last season's loss and remembered the highly contested games between the teams this season.
"It's going to be a junkyard fight, a dogfight," White said. "We know Miami, they know us. ... We have to come in ready to compete and leave it all on the floor."
THEY SAID IT
Caruso is expecting his club to be ready for the task Friday night.
"We've got guys on the team when the lights come on and they are bright, they step up to the challenge," he said. "I've had moments like that in my career; DeMar countless numbers. (Nikola Vucevic) has played playoff basketball."
"I think that's one of great strengths that we do have guys who can go off any given night. Coby's put in the work. It's not surprising for us because we know how good he can be and that's how confident we want him to play all the time."
UP NEXT
The winner of the Miami-Chicago game advances to play the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) has popped up again on the injury report due to the same knee issue that has plagued him all season. Right now, he's listed with injury management and officially ruled questionable. During their play-in game against the Miami Heat, Embiid struggled most of the time and was visibly exhausted by the time the second half rolled around. He'll be one to monitor throughout this series and beyond if they advance through to the second round. If Embiid can't play, Mo Bamba and Paul Reed are the next two big men on the depth chart. Nick Nurse seems to give one or the other extra minutes based on matchups.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris seems to be on his final ride with the team as he's in the final year of his max contract that he signed in 2019. Famously, the team signed him to a big contract instead of Jimmy Butler, who opted to sign with the Miami Heat at the time. Harris has experienced quite the rollercoaster ride while playing in Philly while the fans have grown tired of his shortcomings. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey, the two sides are expected to part ways after this postseason, and the front-runner to acquire his services happens to be the Detroit Pistons. His best scoring days may be behind him, but he could provide solid stats like Harrison Barnes when he first joined Sacramento.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (ankle) is formally listed as questionable for the final Eastern play-in game against the Miami Heat after suffering an ankle injury in their previous game against Atlanta. Caruso said on Friday morning that he expects to play after the swelling went down drastically on Thursday. Caruso plays a big role, especially for the team's defense, and can be a key piece to a win over a Jimmy Butler-less Heat. Caruso has some value in DFS lineups as well due to his defensive abilities and can deliver a scoring punch against a team that's missing one of their best defenders.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) remains off the injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings. The 26-year-old recently returned from a lengthy stint on the shelf because of a knee injury. But he's been limited, combining for 44 minutes in the last two games. However, according to head coach Willie Green, Ingram "had a great practice" on Thursday. With that said, Zion Williamson (hamstring) won't suit up, so the team will need Ingram on the floor. Yet, he'll remain a risky DFS option until his workload increases, which may not be anytime soon.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, San Antonio Spurs forward/center Zach Collins (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Collins is no stranger to surgical procedures. However, it's a tough blow, considering the 26-year-old has appeared in at least 63 games in each of the last two seasons. Fortunately, he's expected to be ready to go for the 2024-25 campaign. Collins remained productive last season despite the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He should continue to hold a spot in the rotation and get some starts when the new season begins in October, so he should have value for those in deeper fantasy formats.
Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (back) is probable for Friday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. The sharpshooter missed time to close the regular season but returned for Wednesday's Play-In loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he didn't see any action in that one. With that in mind, the Heat won't have Terry Rozier (neck) or Jimmy Butler (knee) against the Bulls, so Robinson may need to get involved. But If he doesn't see the floor, Delon Wright, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic could get more involved on the scoring end.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (neck) won't play on Friday night versus the Bulls. The former Hornet has played well since getting traded to the Heat. However, he missed time to end the regular season and sat out Wednesday's one-point Play-In loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. As a result, Tyler Herro remained the primary ball handler, finishing with 25 points and nine assists. However, he had five turnovers and had trouble shooting the ball, going 9-for-27 from the field and 4-for-14 from deep. Nonetheless, with Rozier and Jimmy Butler (knee) out, Herro is a lock for DFS contests. In addition, Delon Wright, who had six points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block against the Sixers, remains a viable DFS value option.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Butler amassed 19 points, five assists, and five steals in Wednesday's one-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he injured his knee during the contest. As a result, Butler will be sidelined for at least a few weeks, which isn't an ideal scenario for the Heat if they manage to pull off the win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Nonetheless, Miami also won't have Terry Rozier (neck), meaning Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo could take over as the team's top scorers. There's also room for Duncan Robinson (back), Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic to see a significant increase in DFS production.
Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Play-In meeting with the Miami Heat. Drummond sprained his ankle near the end of the regular season and missed some games. However, he returned for Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks. But the veteran logged only 11 minutes, ending the night with four points, three rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. Nonetheless, Drummond should be on the floor for Friday's pivotal contest. While the ailment makes him a risky DFS option, he'll still have some value for the limited two-game slate. Yet, if Drummond can't play, the Bulls may need to go small, opening the door for Torrey Craig to get more involved.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (quadriceps) is considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Heat. He missed the last four games of the regular season because of a right quad injury. Fortunately, he returned for Wednesday's Play-In win over the Atlanta Hawks, logging 41 minutes and scoring 19 points. Nonetheless, it would be surprising if Dosunmu isn't on the floor on Friday evening. But if he's unavailable, Alex Caruso (ankle), who is questionable, and Javonte Green would be the favorites to absorb the surplus minutes.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Play-In battle with the Miami Heat. The 30-year-old suffered a "significant" left ankle sprain in Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that his status versus the Heat is in doubt. Caruso plays a pivotal role in Chicago's rotation, averaging 10.1 points and 1.7 steals during the regular season. Fortunately, it appears he's doing a little better than he was. But Caruso will have some hurdles to clear before he gets the green light to suit up. However, if he's not on the floor, Javonte Green will immediately see a substantial increase in fantasy potential.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins could be heading toward the exit this summer. The Ringer reports that league sources believe Wiggins will be included in trade talks in the offseason as the Warriors look to improve their roster following a disappointing campaign. Golden State's season ended on Tuesday when the team suffered a blowout loss in the play-in tournament against Sacramento. Wiggins has spent four and a half seasons with the Warriors, winning the NBA championship in 2022. However, he had a rough campaign in 2023-24, and a divorce might be mutually beneficial. Wiggins is coming off the first season of a four-year, $109 million contract.
Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard (groin) was able to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity and is expected to get a full session under his belt on Friday. Lillard is trying to get ready for Game 1 of the team's first-round series against Indiana, which starts on Sunday night. It's unlikely that we will see Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) in the lineup at the weekend, and Lillard's unavailability would be another huge blow for Milwaukee. However, the star guard appears to be trending in the right direction. If he's cleared to play, we should see fireworks from Lillard, as he'll be expected to do a lot more without Antetokounmpo. Lillard averaged a big 34-point, 10-assist double-double during his last playoff campaign in 2021.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) hasn't yet been cleared for five-on-five practice, but head coach Tyronn Lue appears to be confident of having him in the lineup when playoff action starts this weekend. "I'm preparing to have him on the court," Lue said on Wednesday. "We just take it day-by-day. He's getting better and we'll see how much he continues to progress." Leonard missed the final eight regular-season games due to inflammation in his right knee. The Clippers start their first-round series against Dallas on Sunday. Leonard, a two-time Finals MVP, is known as a great post-season performer and has averaged at least 30 points in three of his last four playoff campaigns.
Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill (neck) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice as he continues to work his way back from injury. A neck problem kept him out for the final three regular-season games, but Merrill looks to be on track to return to the lineup for Game 1 of the playoffs against Orlando on Saturday. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 8.0 points in 17.5 minutes during the regular season, shooting 40.4 percent from downtown. Merrill's shooting ability makes him a good option to have on the bench, but the rotations get tighter during the postseason, and he likely won't see a lot of time on the court.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) isn't expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against Orlando on Saturday. He missed the end of the regular season, making his last appearance on March 8, and Wade wasn't in Wednesday's practice. Wade's absence means more minutes to Georges Niang and Marcus Morris Sr. off the Cavaliers bench. However, neither player doesn't carry any significant fantasy value as long as Evan Mobley stays healthy.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso suffered a "significant" left ankle sprain in Wednesday's play-in contest against Atlanta and is doubtful to play on Friday versus Miami. Caruso suffered the injury in the first quarter on Wednesday when he collided with teammate Andre Drummond. Following a visit to the locker room, Caruso was able to return to the court, but he didn't see any action since the 9:43 mark in the third quarter. The injury will likely bring Javonte Green into the starting unit on Friday. He was a late addition to the Bulls squad during the regular season but had a productive time with the team. In five starts, Green notched 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds with 1.2 steals in 29.2 minutes.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) is feared to have suffered an MCL injury in Wednesday's 105-104 loss to Philadelphia in the play-in tournament. He was hurt near the end of the first quarter when Philadelphia's Kelly Oubre Jr. landed on Butler's right knee. The Heat star managed to complete the contest and logged a productive 40 minutes, but the injury could sideline Butler for an indefinite period. He's scheduled to have an MRI on the knee on Thursday. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Caleb Martin should carry a bigger load if Butler is forced to come out of the lineup for Friday's contest against Chicago. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will be asked to do more on the offensive end.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (knee) stated he's "100 percent" heading toward the postseason. The multi-time All-Star has battled a knee injury, limiting him to 10 games since March 1. Fortunately, Mitchell reported he received platelet-rich plasma injections while being closely monitored by the team's medical staff, so he'll be ready to go. The Cavs begin the postseason series with the Magic on Saturday. While DFS managers will continue to be apprehensive about Mitchell's health, it appears the knee issue is behind him, at least for now.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro scored a game-high 25 points in Wednesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. He added nine assists and two boards. With Terry Rozier (neck) unavailable, Herro was the team's primary ball handler. While he benefitted from a usage standpoint, he had five turnovers. Even worse, he didn't shoot the ball well, going 9-for-27 from the field and 4-for-14 from deep. It's anyone's guess how much longer Herro will be forced to operate at the one spot. But if Rozier isn't back on the floor for Friday's Play-In game between Chicago or Atlanta, Herro could continue to see an uptick in production. His ceiling could rise even higher if Jimmy Butler (knee) is limited after suffering an injury on Wednesday.