Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan during an NBA game.
The Chicago Bulls officially postponed Thursday night’s game vs. the Miami Heat after a long delay at the United Center, citing “court conditions.” In the team’s statement, the Bulls said the game will be made up at a later date and tickets from tonight will be valid for the rescheduled matchup.
Why Was The Bulls Game Postponed? Bulls announce postponement after lengthy delay
Tipoff for Heat vs. Bulls was originally set for Thursday, January 8, but the start time kept sliding as crews worked on the floor.
Ultimately, the Bulls’ announcement made it official: no game tonight due to the court, and the NBA will move it to a later date.
The Heat entered the night with a record of 20-17 and the Bulls at 17-20.
What caused the “court conditions” issue?
The quick version: condensation/moisture on the playing surface.
NBC Sports Chicago reported the Bulls said the delay was caused by condensation forming on the court, pointing to above-average temperatures and humidity in the area.
Earlier reports from the scene described moisture on the floor and staff using large mops while players waited. Chicago’s rainy weather was also part of the backdrop.
In the NBA, that’s a non-starter from a safety standpoint—one slick spot is all it takes for a major injury risk.
What it means for tickets and fans
The Bulls’ statement included the most important detail for fans who bought seats:
The game will be made up later
Tickets from tonight will be valid for the rescheduled game
If you can’t attend the new date once it’s announced, the safest guidance is to check your point of purchase (Ticketmaster/primary seller, or your resale platform) for the exact policy once the NBA posts the rescheduled date.
The timing is brutal for both teams, too, because this matchup matters in the East race. Miami entered the night hovering in the thick of the playoff picture, while Chicago has been chasing position in the play-in mix, making a head-to-head result valuable in the standings and tiebreaker math. Now both clubs have to move on to their next scheduled games, then circle back later for an awkward makeup date squeezed into an already packed calendar.
How to watch and stream Heat vs. Bulls when it’s rescheduled
For fans searching “how to watch Heat vs Bulls” or “how to stream Bulls vs Heat,” ESPN’s game page listed the original broadcast partners as:
NBA TV
CHSN (Chicago Sports Network)
FanDuel Sports Network Sun
Streaming availability can change when a game is rescheduled, but Miami’s official “Where to Watch” page notes viewing options through FanDuel Sports Network (including app/web options and provider availability), plus national TV and out-of-market options.
Best tip: once the makeup date is announced, check the NBA app/game listing and your local provider guide again, reschedules sometimes shift channels.
What’s next for the Bulls (and the arena calendar)
Chicago’s schedule doesn’t stop. The United Center calendar shows upcoming events immediately after this one, including another Bulls home date shortly after.
That’s why postponements can take time to resolve: the NBA has to fit the makeup game into two teams’ travel schedules and the arena’s availability.