The Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors will continue their mini-series on Thursday. Miami hopes to bounce back after a 121-95 loss to the home team two nights ago. The No. 10 Heat have already clinched a play-in tournament spot, but they are still looking to climb the standings for better positioning.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (44-35) are still in a tight race with the Orlando Magic (44-36) and the Philadelphia 76ers (43-36) for the final playoff spot. Toronto owns the season series against Orlando (2-1) and tied in the head-to-head battles against Philly (2-2). The Raptors need to win as many games as possible to avoid complications.
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Odds
Moneyline: Heat (+142) vs. Raptors (-170)
Odds: Heat (+4.5 -113) vs. Raptors (-4.5 -107)
Total (O/U): Heat (o239.5 -110) vs. Raptors (u239.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Injury Reports
Heat Injury Report
Tyler Herro (foot) and Andrew Wiggins (toe), who have been dealing with nagging injuries, have been cleared to play in the rematch. Dru Smith (foot) and All-Star guard Norman Powell (groin) are questionable.
Nikola Jovic, who missed multiple games due to a lower back injury, is back on the inactive list due to a left ankle sprain.
Raptors Injury Report
Only backup guard Chucky Hepburn (injury management) will not play for the Raptors.
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups
Heat
PG: Tyler Herro | PG: Davion Mitchell | SG: Pelle Larsson | SF: Andrew Wiggins | C: Bam Adebayo
Raptors
PG: Immanuel Quickley | SG: RJ Barrett | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Scottie Barnes | C: Jakob Poeltl
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Prediction
In the Raptors’ 121-95 win, they showed their sense of urgency to win. With the home team closer than ever to an outright playoff ticket, it isn’t likely to get complacent against an opponent smarting from an embarrassing loss.
Toronto has the healthier roster than Miami and has the bigger incentive to win. Expect the Raptors to continue their dominance over the Heat in the rematch.
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