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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 8: Maintenance staff wipes the floors during a delay in a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat at the United Center on January 8, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees
CHICAGO (AP) - The start of the game between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Thursday night was delayed by what officials termed "court conditions."
About 40 minutes after the expected 7:05 p.m. tipoff time, an announcement was made that the expected start time would be after 8 p.m. local time.
There appeared to be moisture on the floor at the United Center, which is also home to the Chicago Blackhawks, who played Wednesday and will skate at the arena again Friday.
Maintenance personnel pushed large mops across court while players from both teams milled about dribbling, shooting and chatting.
Temperatures in Chicago reached the mid-50s on a rainy Thursday.
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