Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls: TV Schedule, Game Preview, Live Stream, Score and Matchups

The march towards history continues for the Miami Heat (56-14) Wednesday when they take on a familiar Eastern rival in the defensively tough Chicago Bulls (38-31) at the United Center in Chicago, Ill.

The Heat have been unstoppable since Feb. 3, when they won the first of what has become a historic 27-game winning streak for the team, putting them only six short of the 1971-72 NBA record held by the L.A. Lakers. However, much of their success tonight against the Bulls, who allow the third-lowest point totals of anyone in the league (92.3 points allowed by opponents.)

However, both teams are dealing with injuries to key players heading into Wednesday's contest. Dwayne Wade of Miami is day-to-day after dealing with a sore knee that has been bothering him; Wade has a history of knee issues. Chicago has its share of injuries, as well. Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose will not be returning to play against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reported. Richard Hamilton (back) All-Star Joakim Hoah (foot) and Daequan Cook (thigh) are also dealing with injuries.

Chicago and Miami have history, the two teams clashing in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals in a series the Bulls won 4-1 after Chicago took the first game of the series. Will the Heat's milestone winning streak continue? Or will the Bulls stomp out Miami's hot streak?

Latinos Post breaks down the key matchups for this game:

Power Forward: Udonis Haslem, Heat vs Carlos Boozer, Bulls

Haslem is a tough defender and that's the main reason he is starting for the Heat, offering the defending champions a reliable presence on the other side of the paint. Boozer has been getting hot for the Bulls, averaging 17.6 points and 10.2 rebounds over the last five games, which bodes well for Chicago's offensive options, especially if Noah's foot gives him trouble.

Advantage: Bulls

Small Forward: LeBron James, Heat vs. Luol Deng, Bulls

Deng has been having a terrific year, Chicago's All-Star forward having given them solid production all season (16.2 points) and rebounding from a five-point night against Portland last week to score 20- and 17- point games in the last two contests. However, he's going up against the crème of the crop among forwards in James, who is putting up 29.4 points in the last five games for the Heat. James has already had big games against Chicago with 28.0 points in two contests this season. If Deng is going to stop James, he will have to guard him intensely, with a little help from Noah.

Advantage: Heat

Center: Chris Bosh, Heat vs. Joakim Noah, Bulls

This one will be the match-up of the game to watch.

Bosh, an All-Star this season, has seen his production slip on offense, averaging only 11.2 points per game in the last five games in what has been a down month in March (15.0 points for the month.) However, Noah, who is the focal point of the Bulls' offense and their best all around player this season, has been sidelined with plantar fascitis in his right foot for the last two games. Whether he can start or not will be a game-time decision.

Advantage: ???

Shooting Guard: Dwayne Wade, Heat vs. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls

With Hamilton out for the Bulls, Hinrich will step up for Chicago, though the normally reliable sub is dealing with his own foot issues. That could spell a big night for Wade IF-and only if-he is able to make it and play with som semblance of his usual self after sitting out the last two games with a knee injury. Wade has averaged 19.5 points against Chicago this season, so his presence could be a key one for Miami.

Advantage: Heat

Point Guard: Mario Chalmers, Heat vs. Nate Robinson, Bulls

Chalmers is starting to turn it up a notch in his last five games, having come off a 17-point night against Orlando on Monday and having strong offensive games against Boston and Cleveland last week. He's an underrated player who can score big with the three-point ball at any given time. However, Robinson has been getting hot on offense, scoring in the high teens and one 21-point game in his last five outings for the Bulls. If Robinson gets hot against the Heat Wednesday, he may just be the X-factor in the game.

Advantage: Even

TV Schedule, Live Score

Game Time starts Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST on the ESPN, SUN Network and CSN Chicago. Live score is available via TV Companion, here.

Live Stream

Live Streaming for the Game is can be seen via WatchESPN.