The Heat–Bulls game is delayed because moisture on the United Center court created unsafe playing conditions, forcing officials to halt play for player safety.

What actually happened

  • Arena staff and officials noticed visible moisture and condensation on the hardwood during warmups and pregame checks, making the floor slick and potentially dangerous.
  • The building had recently hosted ice hockey and was dealing with rainy, unusually warm, humid weather in Chicago, a mix that contributed to condensation forming on the court surface.

Why the NBA delayed (then postponed) it

  • Officials cited “court conditions” as the reason, meaning they could not guarantee a safe surface for players despite extended efforts with mops, towels, and maintenance crews.
  • After roughly an hour-plus of delay, with the floor still slick, the decision was made to postpone the game entirely rather than risk injuries on an unplayable court.

Key quick facts

  • Reason for delay: Condensation and moisture on the floor, making it too slippery.
  • Location: United Center, Chicago, on a humid, rainy winter night after recent hockey use.
  • Status: The game was first delayed, then officially postponed to be made up at a later date, with tickets honored for the rescheduled game.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.