Heat Seek Playoff Spot Against Bulls in Crucial Play-In Game

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2024-25 NBA regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the highly anticipated NBA Playoffs. However, before the playoffs can commence, the Play-In Tournament is underway to determine the final two seeds in each conference.

This season, former University of Louisville player Terry Rozier is leading the Miami Heat as they vie for a playoff spot. Rozier, a versatile point guard, will help the 10th-seeded Heat in their quest to eliminate the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls in a critical matchup.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell has already secured his spot in the postseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while fellow UofL alumnus Damion Lee and his Phoenix Suns narrowly missed the playoff cut. The playoffs will officially start next week.

Rozier and the Heat will face off against the Bulls on Wednesday, April 16, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN. The stakes are high, as the loser will see their season come to an end, while the winner will advance to play the loser of Tuesday’s match between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.

Should the Heat emerge victorious, they will earn the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and face the top-seeded Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

This season marked Rozier’s first full year with the Heat after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets midway through the previous season. The 6-foot-1 guard has played in 63 games and started in 23 of them, averaging 10.7 points per game—his lowest average since the 2018-19 season.

Despite the decrease in scoring, Rozier’s contributions have been essential for the team. He also averages 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season, minimal numbers compared to his previous seasons.

Rozier, originally drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 16th overall pick in 2015, has had notable success since joining the NBA. He signed a three-year, $58 million contract with Charlotte before penning a maximum four-year, $97 million deal that lasts until the end of the 2025-26 season.

His time with the Hornets proved beneficial for his development, with Rozier averaging 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 298 games, significantly boosting his performance from his early years in Boston.

The Bulls enter their game against the Heat following a mixed season. They finished the regular season with a 39-43 record, anchoring them at ninth in the Eastern Conference. The matchup poses a significant challenge for both teams, as they seek to solidify their playoff aspirations.

Chicago leads the NBA with an impressive average of 15.4 made three-pointers per game, showcasing their offensive prowess. Coby White plays a key role in their shooting game, averaging 2.9 three-pointers made while shooting 37.0% this season.

The Heat, with a defensive rebound average of 33.7 per game, rank ninth in the league and will look to leverage that strength against the Bulls. Bam Adebayo leads Miami with an average of 7.2 defensive rebounds per game, exemplifying the team’s focus on securing rebounds.

As the teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, each player will be looking to make an impact. Miami seeks redemption against a Bulls team that has historically given them a challenge in prior matchups, especially in last season’s Play-In Tournament.

Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the unfolding tournament affects the future of both franchises. With so much on the line, this Play-In game is likely to be an electrifying showdown.