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The Miami Heat host the Toronto Raptors in a battle for the East! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Raptors-Heat prediction and pick.
The Toronto Raptors are coming off of a loss to the Chicago Bulls last time out. They are even on the season at (23-23) which puts them 9th in the Eastern Conference. As for the Heat, they continue to play well and lead the East with a (32-17) record. Miami has won three-straight games and are fresh off of a close win over the Los Angeles Clippers last night. This has the makings of being a really good East matchup.
Here are the Raptors-Heat NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Heat Odds
Toronto Raptors: +3.5 (-110)
Miami Heat: -3.5 (-110)
Over: 209 (-108)
Under: 209 (-112)
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Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
The Raptors had a majority of their starters against the Chicago Bulls the last time out. The only player they didn't have and the one they wish they did was Fred VanVleet. He missed the game with a knee injury and is day-to-day. Gorin Gragic also remains out so the Raptors are relying on Gary Trent Jr. to be their primary guard. The Raptors play very small with Precious Achiuwa starting at center at just 6-foot-8. Chris Boucher comes off the bench and he is their tallest player at 6-foot-9 right now. It's an interesting decision to run small but this is who the team has at the moment.
If they want to cover this spread, they must play quick and run in transition. They need to force turnovers and make sure the Heat can't match up. The problem for Toronto is that the Heat also can play small with Bam Adebayo off the floor. PJ Tucker has proven he can play center back in his days with the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks last season. The Heat will likely be without Kyle Lowry so all the top guards will be out of this game. Miami did get Tyler Herro back recently and he should help the Heat stay atop the East.
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Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
Miami needs to defend Gary Trent Jr. to the best of their abilities. He's been playing well and is fresh off of a 32-point game. He and Pascal Siakam are the two factors for Toronto right now with VanVleet out. VanVleet is listed as questionable for this game so there is a chance he returns. That will make this game a little tougher for the Heat because they don't have Lowry. Miami needs to make sure they control the boards and not allow the Raptors to force turnovers. Toronto will be playing small so they can't let that get the best of them.
They come into this game as the favorites at home and that is the right call. The spread isn't very high and so that must mean that the Heat will be without some of their normal players tonight. Miami needs Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro to be on their game tonight if they want a chance to cover this spread.
Final Raptors-Heat Prediction & Pick
Both teams are good against the spread this season with winning records. Previous outings are going to determine this result so with that being said, take the better team at home. The Heat have no business not covering this spread.
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Final Raptors-Heat Prediction & Pick: Heat -3.5 (-110)
