With the 2026 NBA trade deadline just five days out, the league is buzzing with speculation, movement, and a fair share of high-stakes chess being played behind the scenes. But while front offices work the phones, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are locked into a rare three-game mini-series - their third meeting in just four days, thanks to a makeup game from a postponed January 8 matchup at the United Center.
Giannis Watch Looms Over Miami
Let’s not kid ourselves: the shadow of Giannis Antetokounmpo looms large over everything right now. The Heat, sitting at 26-24, are very much in the conversation if - and it’s still a big if - the Milwaukee Bucks decide to explore trading their two-time MVP. That storyline has gripped the league like few others in recent memory, and it’s hard to talk about Miami without acknowledging that elephant in the room.
Tyler Herro, still sidelined with a rib injury, continues to be mentioned as a potential piece in any hypothetical Giannis deal. He hasn’t played in any of the Heat’s games against the Bulls this season, and that streak will continue tonight.
Chicago Making Moves of Their Own
The Bulls aren’t just bystanders in the trade market either. They recently added Dario Šarić and a pair of second-round picks in a multi-team deal that sent Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder from Sacramento to Cleveland, with De’Andre Hunter landing in Cleveland as well. Executive VP Artūras Karnišovas has been active - and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more moves coming from Chicago’s front office before the deadline hits.
On the court, the Bulls are dealing with their own share of injury shuffling. Josh Giddey, who’s been battling a hamstring issue, will sit out again tonight after missing the first two games of this mini-series. While the setback doesn’t appear serious, Chicago is clearly being cautious with his return.
Coby White, who’s been managing a lingering calf issue, was held out of the previous game under an “injury management” designation. But there's good news for Bulls fans: he’s not listed on the Feb. 1 injury report, signaling a likely return to the lineup.
Nikola Vučević, who also missed last night’s contest, is expected to play tonight. However, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, and Zach Collins remain out.
Heat Injury Updates
In addition to Herro’s continued absence, the Heat are monitoring a few other situations. Nikola Jović is listed as doubtful with a hip issue, while Norman Powell is questionable due to personal reasons.
Davion Mitchell, who’s been nursing a shoulder injury, is probable and expected to suit up. Andrew Wiggins and Dru Smith are both full participants and ready to go.
Injury Report - Bulls at Heat
Chicago Bulls
- Questionable: Kevin Huerter (back)
Miami Heat
- Out: Tyler Herro (rib)
- Doubtful: Nikola Jović (hip)
- Questionable: Norman Powell (personal reasons)
- Probable: Davion Mitchell (shoulder)
What to Watch Tonight
With both teams navigating injuries and trade rumors, tonight’s game offers more than just another box score. For the Bulls, it’s a chance to see how their reshuffled roster continues to gel - and whether Coby White’s return can spark some offensive rhythm. For the Heat, the focus is on staying competitive while the front office potentially eyes a franchise-altering move.
And while the league’s attention may be fixated on what happens off the court in the coming days, the players still have 48 minutes to play - and in a tightly packed Eastern Conference, every one of them matters.