The anticipated basketball matchup between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday did not take place as scheduled, due to unsafe playing conditions caused by persistent condensation on the court. The game experienced an approximately two-hour delay before officials ultimately called off the contest without rescheduling it on the spot.
Organizers cited the "court conditions" as the primary reason for failing to commence the game. Observers noted visible moisture on the playing surface, a venue that doubles as the home arena for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, who had taken to the ice the previous night and were slated to play again on Friday. Facility staff engaged in efforts to mitigate the dampness by mopping and drying the floor with towels; however, these measures did not adequately resolve the conditions.
The postponement was declared at 8:53 p.m., eliciting audible disapproval from attendees in the stands. No immediate announcement was made regarding an alternative date for the game’s completion.
Prior to the interruption, the Bulls held a 17-20 win-loss record and were enduring a three-game losing streak. The Heat came to Chicago amid a four-game road trip, carrying a 20-17 record. The scheduled tipoff was originally 7:05 p.m., but that time passed with the start delayed until after 8 p.m. local time.
During the delay, maintenance crews were observed pushing large mops across the court as players from both teams remained on the floor, engaging in casual dribbling, shooting, and conversation. Around 7:50 p.m., players and coaching staff retreated to their locker rooms to allow a team of workers to undertake more comprehensive drying attempts.
Officials, as well as members of the Heat coaching staff and players, returned to the floor at approximately 8:25 p.m. The Bulls’ coaches and selected players, including guard Coby White, followed shortly thereafter. During this interval, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra were seen discussing matters on the sidelines. Despite these movements, the teams left the court again by 8:45 p.m. without initiating warm-ups, signaling the game's cancellation due to the lingering moisture hazard.
Weather conditions in Chicago were reported to be cool and rainy, with temperatures in the mid-50s, factors that likely contributed to the condensation issue on the indoor court.