Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

Kaseya Center

Miami, FL

The first match of the NBA Play In tournament is set to be an explosive one, as old rivals the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat face off.

The form for both teams has been exceptionally strong heading into this matchup. The Bulls earned their spot with a victory over Toronto, while the Heat lost the first play in against Atlanta 116-105. This is sure to make for a tight game between two well-matched opponents.

In terms of key players, look out for Zach LaVine on the Bulls side and Jimmy Butler on the Heat side. LaVine has been in superb form lately, averaging 28 points per game over his last 5 matches – if he can keep up this level then he could prove to be the difference-maker. Butler, meanwhile, is the talismanic leader of this Miami team – he will need to inspire his side for them to get the win here.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat Predictions:

Predictions and betting odds have both teams in relatively even positions going into this one. We predict a victory for Miami heat as they advance to the playoffs.

Chicago Bulls vs Miami Heat betting odds:

Some bookmakers have the Bulls as slight favorites due to LaVine’s recent performances, but most outlets are expecting a tight match that could go either way.

Miami starts favourites at $1.44 to Chicago $2.90

Oklahoma City vs Minnesota Timberwolves

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

Target Center

Minneapolis, MN

The second match of the NBA Play In tournament is set to be a thrilling one, as Oklahoma City and Minnesota Timberwolves face off.

Both teams head into this matchup with full confidence, having put in excellent performances in recent weeks. The Thunder earned their spot with an emphatic victory over New Orleans, while the Timberwolves lost the first play in match to the Lakers 108-104 in Overtime.

In terms of key players, look out for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder side and Karl-Anthony Towns on the Timberwolves side. Gilgeous-Alexander has been in fine form lately, averaging 24 points per game over his last 5 matches – if he can keep up this level then he could prove to be the difference-maker. Towns, meanwhile, is the leader of this Minnesota team – he will need to inspire his side for them to get the win here.

Oklahoma City vs Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions:

Predictions and betting odds have both teams in strong positions going into this one. We predict a victory for Oklahoma City as they advance to the playoffs.

Oklahoma City vs Minnesota Timberwolves betting odds:

Some bookmakers have the Thunder as slight favorites due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent performances, but most outlets are expecting a tight match that could go either way.

Minnesota starts favourites at $1.46 to Oklahoma City $2.80.