The Chicago Bulls host the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament tonight, with the winner advancing to face the Hawks for the No. 8 seed. This is a fascinating matchup, considering that Chicago swept the season series 3-0.
While the narrative leading into this game will involve plenty of talk surrounding this mystical "Heat Culture," I'm not sure they have the horses to get over the line this time. Nonetheless, I still can't bring myself to pull the trigger and fade Miami in this spot.
Thankfully, we won't have to worry too much about that as we'll have plenty of options to build a same game parlay valued at +445. Read below for my NBA same game parlay picks for Bulls vs. Heat on Wednesday, April 16.
Bulls vs. Heat Same Game Parlay for Wednesday, April 16
- Coby White Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists
- Alec Burks Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Matas Buzelis Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +445
Coby White Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists
Bulls vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
There's a lot to like about this Bulls team that ranks in the top five for rebounds (45.9), assists (29.1) and fastbreak points (18.5). Their unselfish brand of basketball means Coby White still plays a significant part in the offense since Chicago acquired Josh Giddey in the offseason.
White has a rebounds + assists prop of 8.5—a number he has cleared in nine straight games at home. Moreover, he has also gone over this number in four of his last six meetings against Miami.
The Bulls' point guard played just 19 minutes in their season finale victory over the 76ers on the road. Thus, White should be well-rested to log plenty of minutes in what the bookmakers project as a close game, with Chicago a favorite at -1.
At 6-foot-5, White is somewhat overlooked when it comes to rebounding at the point guard position. Miami ranks 21st in this category, thereby creating more value on the over for his rebounds+assists prop.
Pick: Coby White Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists (-108)
Alec Burks Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
Bulls vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
An injury to Duncan Robinson opened the door for Alec Burks, and despite the former returning to action, Burks held on to the starting job through the end of the regular season. Even if Miami ultimately decides to insert Robinson back in the starting lineup, Burks should still have a spot in the rotation.
Burks is clearly an asset with his perimeter shooting, as his 3-point percentage (42.5%) ranks second among Heat players who average at least three attempts per game.
His 3-point field goal prop is available at 1.5, which he has covered in four straight games. It's worth noting that Burks has also cleared this line in four of his last five meetings against the Bulls.
Although Miami tends to play at a much slower pace, it has become much more of a 3-point shooting team this season (37.3 3-point attempts) compared to the previous campaign (33.7 3-point attempts).
Look for Burks to get his share of open looks to go over his prop of 1.5.
Pick: Alec Burks Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-128)
Matas Buzelis Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Bulls vs. Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
It's difficult to think that Wednesday's game would mean more to any other Bulls player than Matas Buzelis. Buzelis grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois, less than an hour away from Chicago.
The midseason trade of Zach LaVine created a path into the starting lineup for Buzelis, and the rookie hasn't looked back ever since.
With increased playing time, Buzelis is starting to live up to the hype, and sportsbooks are scrambling to recalibrate his player props. The first-year player has a points+rebounds prop of 16.5, which he has cleared in five of his last six games at home.
His numbers against Miami are tremendous, averaging 21.7 points and rebounds over three games.
As a 6-foot-10 rookie weighing 209 pounds, Buzelis could fly under the radar as a player that the Heat will focus their efforts on trying to shut down. Therefore, his prop has plenty of upside with over 16.5 rebounds + assists extremely enticing.
Pick: Matas Buzelis Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-120)
Bulls vs. Heat Parlay
- Coby White Over 8.5 Rebounds + Assists
- Alec Burks Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made
- Matas Buzelis Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +445
