Raptors vs. Heat Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Ryan Stetson.
Maybe Friday’s big blowout win against New Orleans will help the Toronto Raptors build some momentum. Prior to that, Toronto had lost consecutive games and had dropped eight of its last nine against the spread (ATS). It’s clear that the Raps are still working to get their new additions to feel comfortable and find their roles within the team. If they can get Marc Gasol and Jeremy Lin in a groove, they’re going to be a difficult team to beat in the playoffs, but for now, they’re still a work in progress.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Dinos look really good on paper in most of their matchups, which is why you’ll see them as favourites more often or not. Still, they remain one of the worst bets in the NBA at 28-38 ATS. They haven’t had any success in that area against Miami either as the Heat have covered their last six against Toronto.
Betting over the total might be worth a look in this spot. Each of the last four meetings between these teams have played over and Miami has played over in six of its last eight games overall. Plus, the Raptors have put up at least 118 points in six of their last nine and are coming off a clinical offensive performance against the Pelicans that saw them blow New Orleans out of the water in the second half.
Toronto Raptors
When Kawhi Leonard is healthy and has it going, he can take over a game. He needed just a little over 27 minutes on the floor to put up 31 points on 14-for-20 shooting from the field on Friday. In 47 games played, Leonard is averaging 27.1 points with 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 3.3 assists per game. In short, he’s been even better than the Raps could have expected since coming over from San Antonio, but reports indicate he could be rested again on Sunday. It’s situations like these that Toronto really needs Gasol to take over games the same way as Leonard can. Gasol scored only four points against the Pelicans in about 19 minutes of work, marking the fifth time in eight games that he has scored in single digits.
Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade is leading a bench squad that might be the envy of the entire league right now. With Wade, Goran Dragic, and Hassan Whiteside all coming off the pine, the Heat are bringing it with their second unit and that has them riding a four-game winning streak ahead of Sunday’s date with Toronto. Seven different Miami players average at least 10 points per night and 11 players are averaging at least 18 minutes per game. Miami can D-up, too. The Heat rank third in points allowed (106.3), and second in field goal percentage allowed (44.5).
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