Postseason implications will be on the line when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat on Tuesday for the first of back-to-back meetings at Scotiabank Arena between the two teams.
Toronto has already beaten Miami twice this season, both in December by double-digit margins.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
Heat vs Raptors Odds
Moneyline: Heat (+104) vs Raptors (-118)
Spread: Heat +1.5 (-110) vs Raptors -1.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Heat o229.5 (-110) vs Raptors u239.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Heat vs Raptors Preview
Entering the game, the Heat sit at No. 10 with a 41-37 record but still have a realistic shot at climbing to the No. 5 spot, currently held by the Atlanta Hawks, who are 3.5 games ahead.
However, the lower half of the Eastern Conference standings remains tightly packed, with the No. 6 Raptors (43-35), No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers (43-36), No. 8 Charlotte Hornets (43-36), No. 9 Orlando Magic (43-36) and the Heat all within striking distance of one another.
For the Heat, their final four games present an opportunity to climb out of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 play-in matchup, where the loser is eliminated immediately.
Meanwhile, the Raptors aim to hold on to the No. 6 spot, which guarantees a playoff berth and avoids the play-in tournament, but they are only half a game ahead of the teams chasing them.
The Raptors enter this contest having lost three of their last four games, while the Heat have managed just three wins in their last 11 outings.
Injury Reports
For the Heat, Nikola Jovic (left ankle sprain) and Terry Rozier (not with team) are out. Tyler Herro and Norman Powell are probable, while Andrew Wiggins is available.
For the Raptors, Chucky Hepburn is out, while Immanuel Quickley, Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili are questionable.
Starting Lineups
The Heat are expected to start Norman Powell, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Bam Adebayo.
The Raptors are expected to start Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Jakob Poeltl.
Prediction
Expect the Heat to come out strong despite being slight underdogs, with their offense carrying them to a win.
Our prediction: Heat win by 6.
Heat vs Raptors Props
- Brandon Ingram O/U 21.5 points – Take the over.
- Bam Adebayo O/U 21.5 points – Take the under.
- RJ Barrett O/U 21.5 points – Take the under.
- Norman Powell O/U 17.5 points – Take the over.
