The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are about to create NBA history when they face off in three consecutive regular-season games — the first time this has happened in more than 50 years (since 1972 between the Baltimore Bullets and Houston Rockets).
The schedule:
- Game 1: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 – United Center, Chicago
- Game 2: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 – Kaseya Center, Miami
- Game 3: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 – Kaseya Center, Miami
How This Unusual Schedule Came About The original matchup between the two teams was scheduled for Jan. 8, 2026, in Chicago but was postponed due to condensation on the court. Humidity from the crowd combined with the ice beneath the floor (United Center shares the arena with the Chicago Blackhawks) created a dangerously slippery playing surface. Both teams waited over an hour before the game was officially canceled.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said at the time:
“It was an unfortunate situation. Our guys had really prepared, and I felt like emotionally, we were geared up and ready to compete. Everybody was really looking forward to it. And it’s just an odd situation to be in like that.”
Norman Powell added:
“I mean, it’s crazy. Honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with that in 11 seasons, which is kind of crazy.”
Schedule Adjustment The postponed game was rescheduled, resulting in three straight matchups from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1. The NBA moved the second game from Friday to Saturday to avoid the Heat playing three games in three nights.
Heat Injury Updates Ahead of the Bulls Series
- Davion Mitchell will miss his fifth straight game with a shoulder injury (since Jan. 13 vs. Phoenix Suns).
- Tyler Herro remains out for his eighth consecutive game with a rib injury — he has played only 11 games this season.
- Kel’el Ware (who returned from a hamstring injury but played just 7 minutes vs. Orlando) is listed as questionable.
- Positive note: The Heat will have all three two-way players available — center Vlad Goldin, guard Jahmir Young, and forward Myron Gardner — per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Historical Context The last time two teams played three consecutive regular-season games was in 1972. This is an extremely rare occurrence in the modern NBA, especially between two playoff-contending teams (Heat at No. 7 in the East, Bulls fighting for a play-in spot).
Heat Nation & Bulls Nation – what do you make of this bizarre scheduling quirk?
- Is this a chance for the Heat to get revenge after the condensation postponement?
- Or will the condensed schedule lead to fatigue and mistakes for both teams?