Coming off a 133-124 loss to the Orlando Magic, the Miami Heat look for a quick reset, as they hit the road for one game against the Chicago Bulls inside United Center at 8:00 p.m.
This will be the first of three-straight over the next four days against their East foe. Their Jan. 8 game against Chicago was postponed due to slippery court conditions — ultimately getting pushed back to this date. The first of these three games will the Heat’s only road game of the three-game set.
After a fast 6-1 start to the season, Chicago has dwindled back to mediocrity at 23-24. They have lost their last two to the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers by 11 and three points, respectively. Miami’s in similar territory in the standings at 25-23, currently tied with the Magic for the No. 7 seed in the East. Including Wednesday’s loss to Orlando, Miami is 5-4 over its last nine, including wins over Phoenix (twice) and Oklahoma City over that span.
Miami crushed the Bulls, 143-107, in their lone meeting of the season to date. The Heat had eight double-figure scorers, led by Kel’el Ware’s 20-point, 14-rebound double-double and Norman Powell’s 19 points.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Chicago Bulls
- Zach Collins (toe) — OUT
- Noa Essengue (shoulder) — OUT
- Josh Giddey (hamstring) — OUT
- Kevin Huerter (back) — OUT
- Yuki Kawamura (G-League) — OUT
- Jalen Smith (concussion) — OUT
Miami Heat:
- Vlad Goldin (G-League) — OUT
- Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT
- Jahmir Young (G-League) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Chicago Bulls:
- Josh Giddey, G
- Coby White, G
- Isaac Okoro, F
- Matas Buzelis, F
- Nikola Vucevic, C
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Norman Powell, G
- Pelle Larsson, G/F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!
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The Giannis saga. Everyone is claiming its a done deal for their teams specially GSW and NY fans lol
Im ok if Pat offers the whole farm since everyone, well almost everyone, is clamoring for a superstar then get it done. Lets see what happens after.
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD – WHY TRADING FOR GIANNIS MAY BE A BAD IDEA
In order for Miami to present its best offer to Milwaukee for Giannis, the Heat would need to first trade Wiggins to Golden State and obtain a 1st round pick, Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield in return. By doing so, Miami could maximize the number of players and draft picks it can offer Milwaukee in trade from two to four (2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032)
GIANNIS TRADE SCENARIO
Wiggins to Warriors for Kuminga, Hield and 2027 pick works if Kuminga and 2027 pick are included in package to Milwaukee.
Miami receives: Giannis & Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Buddy Hield, Warriors 2027 pick
Golden State receives: Andrew Wiggins, Dru Smith
Milwaukee receives: Herro, Kuminga, Ware, Jaquez, Miami’s 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032 picks
WHAT WILL TEAM LOOK LIKE AFTER PROPOSED TRADE?
If Miami signs Powell to a 3-4 year extension, extends Johnson for a two-year minimum contract and allows Rozier and Fonteccio contracts to expire, the Heat is looking at the following team to begin 2026-2027:
Starters: Mitchell, Powell, Larsson, G. Antetokounmpo, Adebayo
2nd unit: Jakucionis, Hield, Jovic, Johnson, T. Antetokounmpo,
3rd Unit: Gardner, ?, ?, ?, ?
In essence, Miami would be giving up six rotation players (if you include Kuminga who is acquired in the Wiggins trade and sent to Milwaukee), and getting back two (Giannis and Hield). The second unit would be extremely weak and the third unit would need to be filled with a combination of free agents and G League players who would likely be on veterans minimum contracts.
MIAMI HEAT’S FUTURE AFTER TRADE/BEST AND WORST CASE SCENARIOS
In a best case scenario, free agent veterans are willing to accept veteran minimum contracts for the opportunity to play on a team with Giannisfor a possible championship . The team flourishes and wins multiple championships.In a worst case scenario, after a year or two of enduring countless losses because the Heat are unable to compete with elite teams due to lack of depth, Giannis finds his “joy of playing basketball is gone” and demands a trade.
MORANT ALTERNATIVE TRADE SCENARIO
1) Wiggins to Warriors for Kuminga, Hield and 2027 1st round pick
2) Herro and Fontecchio to Grizzlies for Morant
3) Hield to Knicks for Yabusele and McBride
WHAT WILL TEAM LOOK LIKE AFTER PROPOSED TRADES?
If Miami signs Powell to a 3-4 year extension, extends Johnson for two-year minimum contract and allows Rozier contract to expire, the Heat is looking at the following team to begin 2026-2027:
Starters: Morant, Powell, Kuminga, Bam, Ware
2nd Unit: Mitchell, Larsson, Jaquez, Jovic, Yabusele
3rd Unit: Jakucionis, McBride, Johnson, Gardner, ?
ADDED BONUS
Miami keeps its draft picks, plus the 2027 pick obtained from the Warriors.
Well I guess Wiggins/Golden State option is off the table.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors haven’t engaged with the Miami Heat about Wiggins and don’t plan to. That contradicts earlier speculation from multiple NBA insiders who suggested Golden State was exploring frameworks that would send Jonathan Kuminga to Miami in exchange for Wiggins.
I hate to say this (coz im not a Ja fan) but this seems a better scenario
I feel the same
I agree. If Riley is going to gamble, better that it is with a player who may turn his career around and allow Miami to save its draft picks and young players. Its still possible Miami will trade Wiggins to a contender for an expiring contract and a pick.
Good prospective scenario Sun. Very probable
Thanks Manila. One week until we all find out the big picture.
We have a favorable injury report. It used to be that all the injured guys were ours. Lately, it’s going the other way. Herro is not on the injury report.,This is the perfect team for him to return to play.