Basketball history is basically written in blood between Miami and Chicago. If you’ve been following the NBA for more than a week, you know the vibes. There is something about the Heat vs Chicago Bulls matchup that just triggers people. It’s not just about the wins or the losses. It’s about the fact that these two franchises seem to genuinely dislike each other's existence every single time they step on the hardwood.
Honestly, the energy is different. You feel it in the United Center. You feel it at the Kaseya Center. Whether it’s 1992 or 2026, the script barely changes: physical defense, trash talk, and games that feel like they should be played in a back alley rather than a multi-million dollar arena.
The Most Recent Heat vs Chicago Bulls Chaos
We have to talk about what happened recently because it was weird. On January 8, 2026, everyone was geared up for another chapter. Then, the game got postponed. Why? The court was too "moist." Yeah, you read that right. Condensation at the United Center literally stopped the game before it could even start. Fans were furious. Tyler Herro was supposed to make his big return to the starting lineup after dealing with injuries, and instead, everyone went home with a refund and a lot of questions about Chicago’s HVAC system.
But if we look at the last time they actually played, it was a bloodbath. Back on November 21, 2025, the Miami Heat absolutely dismantled the Bulls.
The final score was 143-107.
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That is not a typo.
Miami walked into Chicago and put up nearly 150 points. Kel’el Ware, the young seven-footer who has been a revelation for Erik Spoelstra, put up 20 points and 14 rebounds. Norman Powell, who has become Miami’s primary scoring engine this season, chipped in 19. On the other side, Ayo Dosunmu tried to keep the Bulls afloat with 23 points, but Chicago’s defense looked like a revolving door.
Why the Heat vs Chicago Bulls Record is Deceiving
If you look at the all-time regular season stats, the Bulls actually lead the series. But who cares about the regular season? In the postseason, where it actually matters, Miami has been a recurring nightmare for the Windy City.
- The Jordan Era (1990s): Back then, the Bulls owned everyone. They swept the Heat in 1992 and 1996. They beat them 4-1 in the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals. This was the "Little Brother" phase for Miami.
- The Wade/Shaq Era (2006): This is when the tide turned. Miami finally got past the Bulls in the first round on their way to their first title.
- The Big Three Era (2011-2013): This was peak toxicity. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade vs. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The 2011 Eastern Conference Finals were a defensive masterclass. Then in 2013, the Bulls famously ended Miami’s 27-game winning streak.
Even lately, the Heat have been the "gatekeepers." They’ve knocked the Bulls out of the Play-In Tournament in three consecutive seasons. Imagine being a Bulls fan and seeing the Heat logo on the schedule for a win-or-go-home game. It’s traumatic at this point.
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Comparing the Rosters in 2026
The rosters look a lot different than the 1990s, obviously. Miami has leaned into a mix of "Heat Culture" veterans and high-upside young guys. Norman Powell is averaging about 23.9 points per game this season. He’s been a perfect fit for Spoelstra's system. Bam Adebayo is still the defensive anchor, though his scoring fluctuates depending on how much Tyler Herro is cooking. Andrew Wiggins, now in Miami, has provided a veteran wing presence that they desperately needed after Jimmy Butler’s era started winding down.
Chicago is in a bit of a transition. They’re building around Coby White and Josh Giddey. Giddey has been a triple-double threat, averaging nearly 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. But the consistency isn't there yet. They have Matas Buzelis, who is showing flashes of being a star, but he’s still learning how to handle the physicality of guys like Bam.
Nikola Vucevic is still there, banging in the post, but he’s basically a stationary target for Miami’s fast-paced offense. Miami is currently top 5 in the league in pace and fastbreak points. They want to run. Chicago, meanwhile, has an offense that "dragged its feet" recently, according to some local analysts, failing to break 100 points in multiple games this January.
What to Watch For Next
The next time these two meet—assuming the floor isn't slippery—keep an eye on the guard matchup. Davion Mitchell has been a pest for Miami on defense, and how he handles Coby White usually decides the game.
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Also, watch the paint. Kel’el Ware vs. Vucevic is a classic "new school vs. old school" battle. Ware is 7-feet tall and mobile; Vooch is a bruiser who wants to play slow. If Miami can get Ware out in transition, the Bulls are in trouble.
To stay ahead of the curve on the Heat vs Chicago Bulls rivalry, focus on these three things for their next matchup:
- Check the injury report for Josh Giddey; without his floor leadership, the Bulls' offense tends to crater.
- Watch the first quarter scoring; Miami currently leads the league in 1st quarter points per game.
- Monitor the officiating; these games historically have a high volume of personal fouls because the teams play so physical.
The rivalry isn't dying anytime soon. It’s just evolving. Whether it’s a playoff battle or a random Tuesday in January, when these two jerseys are on the court together, expect a fight.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're betting or analyzing the next game, look at the "over/under" on turnovers. Miami's defense under Spoelstra is currently top-tier in forcing mistakes, and Chicago’s young backcourt has been prone to coughing up the ball in high-pressure situations. Stick to the home-court trends; the Heat have been surprisingly dominant at the United Center recently, winning by an average margin of over 20 points in their last two trips to Illinois.