Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 12, 2024   

The Miami Heat host the struggling Toronto Raptors at Kaseya Center on Thursday. A win against the short-handed side will see Miami extend their win streak to four games even as trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler continue to garner headlines off the court.

The Heat has hit their stride in their last few games. Barring the loss to the Boston Celtics, they have won seven of their last 10 games to take the fifth seed in the East and are three wins below the New York Knicks. Consistency, health, and Tyler Herro have been key factors behind Miami turning on the Heat.

The Raptors are in dire straits. Their three-game losing streak couldn't have come at a worse time as they now suit up against Miami without Scottie Barnes. Both teams have met twice this season, and have split the series. Much of their chances to stage an upset win over the Heat depends on RJ Barrett, who comes off a 30-point game on Monday against his former team, the New York Knicks. The efforts also see him log his seventh 30-point game of the season.

On paper, the Heat is expected to walk away with a comfortable win with their pieces falling in place. But will Toronto pull off a heist?

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Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction

The Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat tips off at 7:30 PM ET. Local coverage will be on FDSSUN. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with an NBA league pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
Toronto Raptors	+10.5	o224.5 (-110)	+400
Miami Heat	-10.5	u224.5 (-110)	-535

Note: Odds are subject to change to closer to tip-off.

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Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Preview

The Miami Heat have finally restored some parity to their campaign with a string of wins. A massive confidence booster was the three-game winning streak that saw them get the better of the top-seeded Cavs. They have been led largely by Tyler Herro, notching up All-Star level numbers averaging 24.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. The guard's consistent season has resulted in the Heat winning games to stay over the .500 mark.

Miami is 17th on scoring offense averaging 112.2 points per game and 111.7 points per every 100 possessions. They are shooting 45.2% from the field (23rd) and are placed sixth in three-point shooting percentage draining 38.3% of their 3s. On defense, they are allowing 109.8 points per 100 possessions. They allow their opponents to reach 46.2% of their field goals and 38% of their shots from beyond the arc.

The Raptors are banged up and are yet to turn a corner in their campaign so far. They come to Miami on the back of three losses, and short-handed on personnel. Their road record has been equally dismal with just one win in 12 games. They are placed 14th in the East, one rung above the Washington Wizards. The absence of Scottie Barnes and Bruce Brown cuts their firepower on both ends of the floor.

RJ Barrett's offensive prowess sees Toronto 16th in scoring offense averaging 112.3 points per game. They are swishing 46.4% of their field goals (14th) and 34.1% of their 3s (23rd). Their defense has been average at best, placed 25th in the league on scoring defense. They allow 113.6 points per every 100 possessions.

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Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Predicted Starting Lineups

The Raptors are without Scottie Barnes (ankle), Bruce Brown (recovery), and Immanuel Quickley (elbow). This would mean a re-jigged lineup for Toronto

Position	Players
PG	RJ Barrett
SG	Gradey Dick
SF	Ochai Ahbaji
PF	Kelly Olynyk
C	Jakob Poeltl

The Heat have listed Jimmy Butler (ankle) as probable. Josh Richardson (heel) is ruled out. Expect Erik Spoelstra to field the same starters from their last game against the Cavaliers.

Position	Player
PG	Tyler Herro
SG	Duncan Robinson
SF	Jimmy Butler
PF	Haywood Highsmith
C	Bam Adebayo

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Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Betting Tips

Tyler Herro is one of the players to watch out for with an o/u of -108/-115 on points. Bam Adebayo is -128/-125 on points. Jimmy Butler comes in with -105/-118 on points. Jakob Poeltl is -105/-115 on points and rebounds. RJ Barrett is -115/-114 on points and rebounds.

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Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction

The Heat are expected to win this contest with their stars in good form. They have played good ball on both ends of the floor and with Herro in red-hot form, the Heat are a cinch to win this matchup. Take a Miami Heat win on Thursday.