Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Feb. 4 | 2024-25 NBA season

The Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls square off on Tuesday in the first of three meetings between the teams this season. Miami heads to Chicago with the Jimmy Butler standoff looming over the team. The Heat have tried to play through the uncertainties with Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and rookie Kel’el Ware stepping up.

Meanwhile, the Bulls, who traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, have another player heavily involved in trade rumors. Nikola Vucevic is ready to play, but it remains to be seen how long he will remain with the Bulls. Josh Giddey, Coby White and Patrick Williams will help the star center carry the team.

---

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report

Miami Heat injury report

Isaiah Stevens did not travel to Chicago following his G League assignment. Duncan Robinson is probable because of a right hip contusion. Jimmy Butler (suspension), Josh Richardson (heel) and Dru Smith (surgery recovery) are on the inactive list.

Chicago Bulls injury report

Torrey Craig and Chris Duarte are not with the team. Talen Horton-Tucker is doubtful because of a lower leg injury. Adama Sanogo (knee), Jalen Smith (illness) and Dalen Terry (knee) are questionable.

---

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Miami Heat starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Tyler Herro	Terry Rozier
Jaime Jaquez Jr.	Josh Richardson	Alec Burks
Haywood Highsmith	Keshad Johnson	Pelle Larsson
Bam Adebayo	Nikola Jovic	Kevin Love
Kel'el Ware

Chicago Bulls starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Josh Giddey	Tre Jones	Jevon Carter
Coby White	Kevin Huerter	Dalen Terry
Lonzo Ball	Matas Buzelis	Julian Phillips
Ayo Dosunmu	Patrick Williams	E.J. Liddell
Nikola Vucevic	Jalen Smith	Zach Collins

---

Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls: Key matchups

Nikola Vucevic vs Kel’el Ware or Bam Adebayo

Nikola Vucevic is in the spotlight as the trade deadline approaches. He will face even more scrutiny when he goes up against Bam Adebayo or Kel’el Ware. Adebayo will likely start on the veteran, but the rookie will also have his shot against the Bulls star.

Without LaVine, the Bulls need Vucevic to be more aggressive with his shots. Chicago’s chance of winning drops if the Adebayo-Ware duo can shackle him.

Josh Giddey vs Tyler Herro

The Bulls will get their first look at Miami's only All-Star this season, Tyler Herro. Lonzo Ball and Coby White will get to guard Herro, but it will likely be Josh Giddey who starts on him.

Erik Spoelstra has transitioned the offensive burden to his point guard even before Butler demanded a trade. The Heat are heavily dependent on Herro to score and run the offense.

If Giddey, Ball and White can limit Herro’s impact on the game, the Bulls could defend their home court.

Coby White vs Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Coby White is arguably the most versatile scorer on the Bulls roster. Without LaVine, his usage rate will likely increase. Erik Spoelstra might adapt his starting lineup and use Jaime Jaquez Jr. to guard White instead of Duncan Robinson.

Jaquez has the size, length and speed to shadow White. Chicago could face a long night if the sophomore can put the lid on their explosive guard.