Bulls vs. Heat preview: Game time, TV schedule and more

In their last five games the Chicago Bulls have gone 2-3, and now look to get back on track against the East-best Miami Heat.

Sitting in fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls have weathered the storm without Derrick Rose. While the All-Star point guard isn't prepared to return to action, that time is drawing closer -- as Rose is now traveling with the Bulls. In Rose's absence, it's Luol Deng who has stepped up into a larger role. Averaging a career-high 17.7 points, he's improved in almost every statistical category, foreshadowing a potentially dangerous combination when Rose returns to the floor.

The story for the Miami Heat remains -- they lean on their big three, and the 2012-13 season represents the next step in their development as a team. LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh are all averaging 20-plus points, while the addition of Ray Allen off the bench has given the Heat a punch off the bench they were lacking, even in their championship season last year. While his attempts are down commensurate with his minutes, Allen is shooting a career his .456 from three -- astonishing for arguably the greatest shooter of all time.

When: Jan. 4th. 8 p.m. ET

Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

TV: ESPN