Chicago @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 19, 2019 ) Miami 117, Chicago 103

The Miami Heat look to record a third straight win for just the second time this season when they host the hapless Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Miami won a season-best five consecutive contests from Dec. 14-23 but otherwise has come up empty for a third straight victory on six occasions.

The Heat, who defeated Cleveland and New York on their two-game road trip, open a three-game homestand with the contest against the Bulls. Hassan Whiteside recorded 13 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's 106-97 win over the Knicks for his third straight double-double and 23rd of the season. Chicago has lost four games in a row and 14 of 15 after succumbing 122-117 to host Brooklyn on Tuesday. Zach LaVine scored 26 points against the Nets and has topped 20 in five of his last six contests.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Sun (Miami)

ABOUT THE BULLS (11-40): Coach Jim Boylen criticized his club's lack of toughness, and Lauri Markkanen didn't dispute the comments after collecting 18 points and a career-best 19 rebounds. "Yeah, I just try and do whatever I can to help the team, and we need toughness," Markkanen told reporters. "I think everybody has to step their game up, and I'm trying to do the same thing." Markkanen is averaging 19.5 points and 17 rebounds over his last two games and has scored in double digits in nine straight contests.

ABOUT THE HEAT (24-24): Wayne Ellington is in line to draw the start at shooting guard against the Bulls with Tyler Johnson (calf) and backup Dwyane Wade (knee) both questionable for the contest. Ellington wasn't caught up in the situation - "I'm just going with the flow. I'm staying ready for whatever," he told reporters - after scoring 19 second-half points against New York to follow a stretch during which he didn't play in 13 of 15 games. "He's a model of professionalism and consistency," coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters. "Rotation is complex. I'm the first to admit - I don't know if I am making the right decisions, but there has to be a decision at some point, and so somebody is going to have to (sit). Unfortunately, it was him for parts of this season, but it was never deserved."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat defeated the Bulls twice in Chicago earlier this season and have won each of the last three overall meetings.

2. Bulls F Jabari Parker scored 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds against Brooklyn.

3. Miami SF Derrick Jones Jr. will miss at least six weeks due to two bone bruises in his right knee, an injury he suffered against the Knicks.

PREDICTION: Heat 106, Bulls 99