The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are set to lock horns on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET inside the United Center in Chicago — a game that could decide who grabs the final knockout spot in the NBA Cup. Despite being labeled a regular-season contest by some outlets, multiple live broadcasts and team reports confirm this is a pivotal NBA Cup matchup, with both teams entering at 1-1 in the group stage. The stakes? The winner gets the inside track to the Cup’s knockout round — a rare tournament within the regular season that’s reshaping how teams approach mid-year scheduling.
Who’s Playing — And Who’s Not
The Heat will be without four key rotation players: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, Andrew Wiggins, and Terry Rozier. That’s a massive blow to their offensive depth. Herro, their primary playmaker off the bench, has averaged 18.3 points this season. Without him, the burden falls squarely on Bam Adebayo, who dropped 20 points in their last win over the Golden State Warriors, and Norman Powell, who led the team with 25 in that same game. Miami’s bench, already thin, now looks even more vulnerable.Chicago isn’t much better off. Starting center Zach Collins is out with an ankle injury, leaving Nikola Vucevic as the lone reliable interior presence. Vucevic, who hit a buzzer-beating jumper to seal a dramatic two-point win over the Pistons just days ago, will need to carry even more weight. Guard Coby White is listed as questionable — and if he plays, he’ll likely be asked to replicate his clutch three-pointer from that same Pistons game. Tre Jones, Chicago’s defensive anchor at point guard, is also a game-time decision.
The Odds Tell a Story
Oddsmakers have shifted slightly in Chicago’s favor: the Bulls are listed as 2.5-point favorites, despite playing on the road. The over/under is set at 249.5 points — unusually high for a matchup featuring so many missing pieces. Why? Because when both teams are forced to play small-ball lineups, pace skyrockets. The Heat averaged 115.2 possessions per game last season; the Bulls were at 113.8. With fewer defensive specialists on the floor, expect a track meet.“It’s not about who’s healthy,” said Nic Rohloff, host of Heat Report, in a live stream from the United Center. “It’s about who adapts faster. Miami’s got Adebayo’s IQ. Chicago’s got Vucevic’s touch. And someone’s gotta make a play when the shot clock’s down to five.”
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Cup
The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023 as the In-Season Tournament, has evolved from a gimmick into a legitimate playoff precursor. Teams now treat it as a scouting lab — testing lineups, evaluating rookies, and gauging chemistry under pressure. For Miami, a win here keeps them in the top five of the Eastern Conference (they’re currently 9-6) and helps maintain playoff positioning. For Chicago, it’s a chance to prove they’re not just a team clinging to hope after a five-game skid.The Bulls’ recent two-game surge — including that nail-biter against Detroit where they nearly blew a 21-point lead — shows resilience. But their defense ranks 24th in the league. Miami’s offense, even without Herro, is still top-10 in efficiency. If Adebayo dominates inside and Powell finds rhythm early, the Heat could exploit Chicago’s lack of rim protection.
How to Watch
The game will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Miami) and Chicago Sports Network Plus. For out-of-market viewers, NBA League Pass and Fubo offer live streaming. PrizePicks, the official sponsor of the broadcast, is running a promotion: use code CLNS to get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 entry.Live updates and play-by-play commentary will be available via Chat Sports’ YouTube channel, with host Nic Rohloff providing real-time analysis from inside the arena. Don’t expect a traditional halftime show — this is basketball at its rawest, with playoff implications on the line.
History on the Line
The Chicago Bulls, founded in 1966, are no strangers to pressure. Their six NBA titles — all during the Michael Jordan era — still echo in the rafters of the United Center. But this team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2022. A win here could be the spark they need.The Miami Heat, established in 1988, have built a reputation as a team that thrives in adversity. They’ve reached the NBA Finals four times since 2011, often with injured rosters. This game could be another chapter in that legacy — not just for the Cup, but for their postseason credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this game officially part of the NBA Cup or the regular season?
It’s officially part of the NBA Cup, despite some outlets labeling it a regular-season game. Both teams are listed at 1-1 in the Cup group standings, and the winner gains direct advancement to the knockout stage. The NBA treats the Cup as a separate competition embedded within the regular season, with its own standings and playoff implications.
How do the injuries impact Miami’s chances?
Losing Herro, Jović, Wiggins, and Rozier strips Miami of nearly 45% of their average scoring output. Without them, the Heat will rely on Adebayo’s playmaking and Powell’s shooting, but their depth is dangerously thin. If Chicago can force them into half-court sets, Miami’s offense could stall — especially with no reliable three-point shooters left on the bench.
Why is the over/under so high with so many players out?
With key defenders sidelined, both teams are likely to play faster and more aggressively. Chicago’s lack of rim protection and Miami’s reliance on perimeter play create mismatches. In recent games, teams without their top guards have averaged 121+ points — and both squads have shown they can score in bursts, even when depleted.
What’s at stake for Chicago’s playoff hopes?
A win here would give the Bulls their third consecutive victory — their first such streak since November 2024. More importantly, it would lift them into the top eight of the Eastern Conference, putting them in the Play-In Tournament conversation. With the Knicks and Celtics ahead, every win matters. This isn’t just about the Cup — it’s about survival.
Can the Heat win without Herro?
Yes — but only if Adebayo dominates the paint and Powell stays hot. Miami’s offense has historically thrived with Adebayo as the hub, and they’ve won games without Herro before. But this Bulls team, even depleted, has improved defensively under new assistant coach Mike Budenholzer. It’ll be a test of execution under pressure — not just talent.
Where does this game rank in Heat-Bulls rivalry history?
While not as storied as Heat-Pacers or Bulls-Lakers, this matchup has delivered intensity since the 2010s. Their 2023 Play-In game went to overtime, and in 2022, Miami swept the season series. This game adds a new layer: it’s the first time both teams enter with playoff aspirations and major injuries. It’s not history-making yet — but it could be.
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