Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Betting Preview

Date & Time: Thursday, May 5, 8:00 PM

Venue: Air Canada Centre (Toronto)

Head to head record

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat 96-102 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat 112-104 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat 101-81 (2015/2016 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors 94-108 (2015/2016 NBA)
Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors 96-76 (2015/2016 NBA)

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat prediction

Toronto Raptors will be looking to get their revenge on Miami Heat for a 102-96 loss in game 1 when the two sides take on each other Air Canada Centre on Thursday evening. Raptors are eager to tie the series, but it remains to be seen if they will be capable of guarding Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade this time out.

Raptors hungry for revenge

Despite being regarded as favourites in Tuesday’s game against Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors suffered a 102-96 overtime loss to Dwyane Wade and Co. at their Air Canada Centre. Miami put an end to Toronto’s three-game winning run at home and it has to be noted that Kyle Lowry once again failed to impress. The 30-year-old point guard scored no more than seven points in game 1, shooting 3 of 13 and, no doubt, he will have to improve his game if Raptors are to tie the series. The other star player DeMar DeRozan, though, scored 22 points in the 102-96 loss to Miami, with Lithuania international Jonas Valanciunas adding 24 points on the night. Anyhow, Toronto will have to be at their sharpest if they are to beat Miami Heat in game 2.

Luis Scola did not enter the coart against Miami on Tuesday evening, but he should play some part in game 2. The likes of Johnson, Thompson and Patterson could be recalled to the squad as well.

Can anyone stop Goran Dragic?

After surviving Charlotte Hornets in previous round, many people expected that Miami Heat would have a much bigger fish to fry against Toronto Raptors. However, Eric Spoelstra’s troops did well to beat the odds, with Goran Dragic and Dwane Wade scoring 50 points between each other in the 102-96 win over Toronton. The Slovenia international produced his best performances of the 2016 NBA play-off campaign and you should have in mind that he hit three threes in game 1. Chris Bosh remains on the sidelines and in his absences aforementioned duo Dragic – Wade should be key figures in Erik Spoelstra’s team in the tie against Toronto Raptors. Miami Heat are not regarded as good travelers, but they are definitely capable of upsetting Raptors at Air Canada Centre. You should bear in mind that Miami recorded only three wins in last eight away games in NBA.

Dwane Wade picked up a knee injury in game 1, but he should be fit to face Raptors on Thursday evening. Chris Bosh remains in the recovery room, while Hassan Whiteside is fit and he should start the match.

Interesting Facts

• Toronto recorded six wins in last eight home games
• Raptors conceded less than 100 points in seven of their last nine home matches
• Miami failed to score 100+ points in five of their last six away games
• Heat recorded one win in last four meetings between the two teams
• Toronto Raptors are averaging 92.8 points in the 2016 NBA play-offs

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat betting pick

Toronto Raptors were beaten by Miami Heat in overtime in game 1 and, as I have already mentioned, Kyle Lawry was not at the top of his game on Tuesday evening. The Canadian outfit are desperate to record a win in game 2 and considering that Chris Bosh is unlikely to recover in time to face Raptors at Air Canada Centre, I am tempted to put my money on the hosts this time out.

Pick: Toronto to win

Odds: -175