NBA schedule: TNT doubleheader features Heat vs. Bulls, Spurs vs. Clippers

It's a prime time day in the NBA with a TNT doubleheader featuring the Miami Heat taking on the Chicago Bulls, followed by the San Antonio Spurs visiting the Los Angeles Clippers to cap it off. There are only two games on the slate Thursday, with the trade deadline passing at 3 p.m. EST.

The Eastern Conference leading Miami Heat head to Chicago to face the Bulls in the first half of the TNT double header. The Bulls continue preparation for the return of Derrick Rose, who is now participating in 5-on-5 drills. The teams last met on January 4th with the Bulls picking up the victory, 96-89. The Heat will be going into the game on the second half of a back-to-back, fresh off of a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

In the second half of the TNT doubleheader, two of the top teams from the Western Conference will battle it out at Staples Center. The Spurs are setting the pace for the league with the top record at 43-12, and won't be looking to shake up a formula that is working before the deadline passes. Only small changes could be in the works for the Spurs, like the potential trade of DeJuan Blair for the best deal possible. The Clippers are 4.5 games back from the Spurs, but have come out victorious in the prior two meetings between the teams. Gone are the days of the Clippers residing at the bottom of the Conference, as they now prepare for battle at the top against the Spurs and Thunder.