PREMIUM
***$20 TUESDAY*** Rogers' NBA Game of the Day >> Won 6 of Last 7 Days!
(NBA) Miami vs. Toronto,
Point Spread: -6.50 | -110.00 Toronto (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: -6.50 | -110.00 Toronto (Home)
Result: Loss
The set-up: The Toronto Raptors needed overtime to get past the Nets on Monday night (114-113) but PG Kyle Lowry (16.2-6.1-7.0) sustained "an acute back spasm" and would be reevaluated on Tuesday. "I think (the injury is) more of a bruise than anything else," Raptors head coach Dwane Casey said. Does he know or is he hoping? The Raptors led by 10 points with 4:40 to play in regulation but couldn't close it out without OT. DeMar DeRozan (25.3-4.3-5.0), who had 35 points, made a free throw to complete a three-point play with 26 seconds left to win it. While the 28-10 Raptors were working overtime to beat the Nets the 22-17, the Miami Heat were resting for their game against Toronto on Tuesday night at the Air Canada Centre. Getting Monday off was good news, after edging the Utah Jazz 103-102 on Sunday. "We've pushed the limits a little bit and guys need some rest," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. "And then we need to gear up and focus on Toronto. That's it. Get up there, get a good night's sleep."
Miami: After winning a season-best four games in a row, the Heat are five games above .500 for the first time this season. The Heat have been on a 7-2 run overall, with seven of their last eight games coming at home. However, starting with tonight's game in Toronto, they will play 11 of 14 on the road. "We're road warriors, man," Heat forward James Johnson said. "Our road record (11-8) is better than our home record (11-9), so we're just going to keep doing what we're doing, staying together, being confident, feeding energy to guys and going from there, one game at a time, one stop at a time. We're trying to bring a little heat out there." PG Dragic (16.6-3.4-4.1), SG Waiters (14.3) and center Whiteside (14.0 & 11.5) are the biggest contributors but five other Heat players average in double digits. That said, Miami averages a modest 100.9 PPG on the season, which ranks only 28th.
Toronto: The Raptors know more than a little about winning streaks theses days, as last night's victory gives them five wins in a row. More than that, Toronto comes in having won 17 of its last 20, moving three games ahead of the Cavs in the Eastern Conference into the No. 2 seed position, just 2 1/2 games back of the Celtics. Of course, Lowry would be missed but this Toronto team is very deep. Along with the All Star backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry, PF Ibaka (13.9 & 6.2) and center Valanciunas (11.2 & 7.8) are a strong frontcourt duo. Supporting that "Core Four," are seven players averaging between 6.2 and 9.7 PPG. Toronto is averaging 112.1 PPG (3rd) on the season and 115.1 PPG at home, where the Raptors are 14-1 SU.
The pick:The Heat are in much better shape than they were are this point last season and should have little trouble making the East's playoff field. However, even if Lowry sits, Toronto's depth can carry the day and here at home, the Raptors play much better defense. As noted above, the Heat have scoring balance and depth but just barely average 100 PPG. That won't cut it against a Toronto team averaging 115.5 PPG on its home floor. Make Toronto an 8* play.
Miami: After winning a season-best four games in a row, the Heat are five games above .500 for the first time this season. The Heat have been on a 7-2 run overall, with seven of their last eight games coming at home. However, starting with tonight's game in Toronto, they will play 11 of 14 on the road. "We're road warriors, man," Heat forward James Johnson said. "Our road record (11-8) is better than our home record (11-9), so we're just going to keep doing what we're doing, staying together, being confident, feeding energy to guys and going from there, one game at a time, one stop at a time. We're trying to bring a little heat out there." PG Dragic (16.6-3.4-4.1), SG Waiters (14.3) and center Whiteside (14.0 & 11.5) are the biggest contributors but five other Heat players average in double digits. That said, Miami averages a modest 100.9 PPG on the season, which ranks only 28th.
Toronto: The Raptors know more than a little about winning streaks theses days, as last night's victory gives them five wins in a row. More than that, Toronto comes in having won 17 of its last 20, moving three games ahead of the Cavs in the Eastern Conference into the No. 2 seed position, just 2 1/2 games back of the Celtics. Of course, Lowry would be missed but this Toronto team is very deep. Along with the All Star backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry, PF Ibaka (13.9 & 6.2) and center Valanciunas (11.2 & 7.8) are a strong frontcourt duo. Supporting that "Core Four," are seven players averaging between 6.2 and 9.7 PPG. Toronto is averaging 112.1 PPG (3rd) on the season and 115.1 PPG at home, where the Raptors are 14-1 SU.
The pick:The Heat are in much better shape than they were are this point last season and should have little trouble making the East's playoff field. However, even if Lowry sits, Toronto's depth can carry the day and here at home, the Raptors play much better defense. As noted above, the Heat have scoring balance and depth but just barely average 100 PPG. That won't cut it against a Toronto team averaging 115.5 PPG on its home floor. Make Toronto an 8* play.
