Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan during an NBA game.
The Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game at the United Center was delayed Thursday January 8, because officials cited “court conditions,” with moisture visible on the floor as crews worked to dry it.
About 40 minutes after the scheduled 7:05 p.m. local tip, an in-arena update said the expected start time would be after 8 p.m. As of the latest update provided, the Bulls game was still delayed.
Barstool Chicago
The Bulls game has been delayed due to weather.
Please note that basketball is played indoors.
Why is the Bulls game delayed today?
In plain terms: the court didn’t look safe.
Reporters on scene described moisture on the floor, with maintenance personnel using large mops while players from both teams stayed loose—dribbling, shooting and waiting for the green light.
The United Center is also home to the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, who played there Wednesday and are scheduled to skate there again Friday. Combine the hockey-to-basketball conversion with rainy weather in Chicago, and moisture can become a real issue fast.
Key details fans are searching right now
Bulls vs Heat delayed: Yes, delayed due to “court conditions.”
Heat Bulls start time: An update said after 8 p.m. local (subject to change).
Bulls game delay cause: Moisture/condensation appearing on the court.
Will Heat vs Bulls be postponed? No postponement was announced in the AP details — just a delay.
What “court conditions” means and why the NBA won’t rush it
When the NBA (or arena officials) flags “court conditions,” it’s usually about player safety: anything that makes the playing surface slick, uneven, or unpredictable.
Moisture is especially dangerous because NBA players are constantly cutting at full speed. One bad slip can turn a random delay into a significant injury story.
That’s also why these delays can stretch: you can’t just dry the floor once and call it good. Staff has to remove the moisture and then make sure it doesn’t immediately return once players start moving again.
What it means for the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat
A long delay changes the rhythm for both teams. Players have to stay warm without overdoing it, coaches have to keep bodies ready, and rotations can get weird if the start time keeps moving.
For fans, it’s the most frustrating kind of update because it creates uncertainty:
If you’re tracking the Heat game for a late-night window, your schedule gets blown up.
If you’re watching Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls live, you’re stuck in limbo waiting for the next official time stamp.
What to watch next
If the court stabilizes and the game tips, the follow-up is straightforward: how long the delay lasted, what the arena said caused it, and whether the issue returns during play.
If the moisture keeps coming back, that’s when you watch for the bigger decision: whether the NBA and the arena determine it can’t be played safely and needs to be postponed.
Heat vs. Bulls: How to watch and how to stream
If you’re searching “how to watch Heat vs Bulls” or “how to stream Bulls vs Heat,” the listings for this game show multiple options depending on where you live:
TV channels (listed for the game):
NBA TV (national)
Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) (Bulls market)
FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Heat market)
Streaming options:
Fubo is one commonly listed live-stream option for this matchup (availability depends on your plan and location).
CHSN direct-to-consumer: CHSN says you can check availability by ZIP code and watch via its platforms/app.
FanDuel Sports Network: FanDuel’s network notes availability is determined by your home ZIP code, and it offers access paths including direct subscription options.
Important blackout note (saves people headaches): NBA League Pass in the U.S. can black out local teams and nationally broadcast games live, with on-demand windows later.