In a wide-open Eastern Conference, both the Heat (20-17) and Bulls (17-20) remain in contention for a postseason spot. Both of these clubs play an exciting, up-tempo brand of basketball. That raises the odds of Thursday’s Miami-Chicago matchup turning into a shootout.
Who is poised for a big performance during tonight’s showdown in the Windy City? The Heat are favored by 7.5 points (-105) over the Bulls, with the over/under set at 237.5 points. Here are two of the top prop bet picks on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s Miami vs. Chicago matchup.
Heat vs. Bulls prop bet picks
Nikola Jovic 16+ points + rebounds + assists (-120)
The status of Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle) is one to monitor before tip-off. Even if the forward does suit up, he’s unlikely to handle his normal workload. Either way, expect more playing time tonight for Nikola Jovic. The fourth-year pro has been somewhat unimpressive for most of the season. Through 26 games, he’s recorded 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Most concerning, he’s accounted for lackluster 39/30/78 shooting splits.
In spite of his inefficiency, Jovic’s knack for counting stats has kept him in Miami’s rotation. That could come in handy tonight, especially if Jaquez Jr. sits. As previously mentioned, the Bulls and Heat both love to play fast. As a result, more possessions than usual should be in store for each side. Jovic has notched at least 16 points + rebounds + assists in six of his previous seven outings. Against a terrible Chicago defense, the Serbian should make his presence felt on Thursday.
Matas Buzelis 18+ points (-116)
Josh Giddey (hamstring) remains sidelined, leaving Chicago without its leading scorer. In the Aussie’s absence, some new names have stepped up alongside Nikola Vucevic and Coby White. That includes Matas Buzelis, who has flashed major upside this season. Over 37 games, the forward is averaging 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 49% from the field. On a free-flowing Bulls offense, there’s no reason to think those numbers are due for negative regression.
Giddey’s injury has given Bulls fans a glimpse at what the offense might look like with Buzelis in chage. So far, so good for the 21-year-old. In four of his last five games, Buzelis has tallied at least 19 points. He’ll have an opportunity to reach that total again vs. Miami. The Heat are allowing 117.4 points per game to opponents, the tenth-highest total in basketball. Outside of White and Vucevic, Chicago doesn’t have any go-to scorers. In this potential shootout, Buzelis’ total offers significant value at just 18 points.
