Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Miami Heat dominated the second half in their Wednesday meeting against the Toronto Raptors.
• The Raptors look to split this back-to-back against the Heat with a win.
• The Heat could have up to seven players unavailable for this match.

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Heat vs Raptors Predictions and Picks

The Miami Heat outlasted the Raptors in their last matchup, but Toronto is unlikely to be stifled by Miami’s 2-3 zone for a second straight meeting. Miami’s lack of bodies also works against their favor.

Picks:

Toronto Raptors to Win (-195)

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How to Watch  Heat vs Toronto Raptors

Head-to-Head: Heat vs Raptors

Can Miami’s Bench Repeat Their Stellar Performance?

Led by Kendrick Nunn, the Miami Heat were able to outlast the Raptors in their last match. Miami’s reserve unit accounted for 48 of their 111 points.

While Kendrick Nunn was the star, veteran presence Andre Iguodala turned back the clock in his last performance. Iguodala was five of six from the field, hit three three-pointers, and even had two dunks on the game!

With a limited roster available to them, the Heat’s bench doesn’t have the luxury of an off night. Having shown their hand in their last meeting, Miami’s bench must somehow outdo their last effort.

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Can Toronto Crack Miami’s Zone?

Despite the Toronto Raptors’ struggles throughout the early season, they were able to stay competitive with the Heat off of some form gained from a three-game win streak. It looked good for the Raptors until the second half rolled around.

The Raptors excel when their inside game powers their ability to shoot from three. Unfortunately, the Raptors were stopped by Miami’s 2-3 Zone in the second-half, which relegated the majority of their chances to beyond the arc.

Forward Chris Boucher stated that they didn’t move the ball enough, allowing them to fall into Miami’s trap. If the Raptors can find their space and properly exploit the Heat on offense, there’s no reason they can’t come away with an easy win.

Heat Key Player: (G) Kendrick Nunn

Kendrick Nunn has been on a tear as of late.

He scored a game-high 28 last night off the bench with 8 rebounds and 5 assists
?? #HEATHighlights pic.twitter.com/5hbha8k12u

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 21, 2021

One of the Heat’s breakout players last year took a bit of a backseat this season as well as in last year’s bubble due to the emergence of Tyler Herro. But in his last game, Kendrick Nunn couldn’t be held down.

In the Heat’s last match against the Toronto Raptors, Nunn looked unstoppable. The guard posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 75% shooting from the field, while hitting four three-pointers.

Nunn’s inside-outside threat on offense caused the Raptors a number of issues. Nunn’s efficiency is more important than his total production, something that can help ensure the Heat another win against Toronto.

Raptors Key Player: (C) Aron Baynes

Kyle Lowry with that no-look dish to Aron Baynes. ?#RapsOnSN | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/PuLII4RYqp

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 30, 2020

The Australian big man has mostly been a negative presence for the Toronto Raptors this season, but the eight-year veteran seemed to find his feet in his last appearance for the Toronto Raptors.

Against a more traditional center in Bam Adebayo, Baynes was able to utilize his size on defense and range on offense to cause the Heat issues through the first two quarters.

Baynes is a situational player in today’s NBA, but he can make a real impact for the Raptors. If he can keep Miami honest from three and play good positional defense, Baynes can make the impact Toronto has wanted from him all season long.