Although it is still early in the NBA season, the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat will meet in a key Eastern conference matchups this weekend that could coincide with the return of one of the game’s biggest stars. Heat guard Dwayne Wade has missed the past couple of weeks after suffering a bad ankle sprain in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, but should be ready to return in time to take on the top team in the conference according to the NBA standings.
Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat
Sunday January 29, 2011 – 3:30 PM ET
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
NBA Sports Betting Line: Miami Heat – 1.5
The Heat will be eager to prove that regardless of what the numbers say, they are still the better team overall. Miami has won five of its last six games even with Wade out of the lineup thanks to the play of Lebron James and Chris Bosh among others, and should be even stronger with Wade back.
NBA Betting Preview: Chicago Bulls
According to the sports bet numbers, the Bulls are undoubtedly the most complete team in the association, ranking 10th in total offense, and first at the defensive end of the floor. The tandem of Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah lead a Chicago team that ranks first in the NBA in rebounds, while reigning MVP Derrick Rose continues to average 8.6 assists per game for a team that ranks third in average helpers. While their may not be any major holes in the Bulls’ team, they will need to prove they can step up and play their best against their best opponents, and a win at Miami would be a good start.
NBA Betting Preview: Miami Heat
With Wade out of the lineup, James’ averages increased to make up for the gap, and he has played some of his best basketball over the past six games, averaging more than 30 points over that span. James also leads the Heat in average rebounds with 8.1 per game and assists with 7.1, but the story hasn’t changed in regards to the one area that the King still needs to prove himself in. James has never been able to play his best basketball in the biggest games, but challenging the best defense in the association would be a good start. The potential return of Wade and the play of Bosh both down-low and from the perimeter with his ability to stretch the defense are two other crucial areas in Miami’s favor for this game.
NBA Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
While James still needs to prove himself to those that doubt his ability to come up with his best in the Heat’s biggest games, this contest will mean much more to the sportsbooks underdogs, as they continue to work towards finishing with the best record in the conference. Rose still gets the majority of the attention in Chicago, but his supporting cast needs to be given more respect as they are one of the most underrated in the NBA.
NBA Betting Pick: Chicago Bulls