Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction

After a three-match winning streak, the Toronto Raptors (5-9) lost 111-102 on Wednesday night as an understaffed Miami Heat (6-7) team eventually pulled away from them, to earn successive victories for the first time this season.

Despite missing Jimmy Butler, Avery Bradley (both COVID-19 protocols), Tyler Herro (neck) and Meyers Leonard (shoulder), they had some big performances from Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn and Kelly Olynyk off the bench to prevail.

Even with their multiple injury concerns, will this prove a repeat performance or can Nick Nurse's men immediately avenge their defeat, in the second of their two-game series? Read my basketball preview, for the best betting odds ahead of this compelling H2H matchup.

Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Preview

All-Star forward Pascal Siakam (groin) is listed as questionable for Toronto, whose five-game home slate wraps up early Saturday morning against Miami.

The 26-year-old is averaging 18.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists through 13 games this term but limped off in pain after landing awkwardly on a dunk early on Wednesday and is still feeling the effects.

He sat out Thursday's practice and could be a game-time decision, though it's unlikely the coaching staff would want to risk aggravating the issue.

As such, fourth-year PF Chris Boucher could receive more minutes and increased responsibility here - he's averaging 15.5 points on 59.4% FG and 6.6 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per contest.

Veteran point guard Goran Dragic (foot) is listed as probable to feature again after scoring 17 points with five assists and four rebounds last time out.

Nunn had 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists in 35 minutes from the bench, while big men Adebayo and Olynyk combined for 29 points, 21 rebounds and 15 assists. Erik Spoelstra was happy with his team's persistence, despite a disruptive situation with unavailable players.

"I don't know what percentage of our scoring wasn't here tonight, but we have a lot of guys who can score 20 points. In this situation, either you put your tail between your legs or rise to the occasion for your team."

Fred VanVleet was one assist shy of a double-double (24 pts, nine ast), while Siakam and OG Anunoby both scored 18 points each for the Raptors.

Having scored their first seven points of the game, Kyle Lowry only finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He struggled from a distance (1-of-10 on 3PA), and the 34-year-old is expected to bounce back - he only had two full games with fewer points throughout last season.

He needs 14 to reach 10,000 for his career with Toronto, a feat only five other active players have with their respective teams. Will he achieve that landmark en route to a morale-boosting win?

Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Betting Tips

This encounter could go either way and as such, ESPN's Basketball Power Index has given the Raptors a slight edge (56.4%) to bounce back here. They average 0.8 more points, conceding 2.2 points less and average further blocks (5.9 to 3.8) and steals (8.5 to 6.2) per game to date.

This could depend on Siakam's status, as Lowry will be expected to step up after a poor shooting night - while Spicy P, despite the persistent criticism, remains a key cog in their machine.

Toronto isn't particularly deep outside their starting five or six players - reserve guards Norman Powell and Terence Davis are solid but streaky shooters, while offseason acquisition Aron Baynes hasn't started well. I think this will be close but a clash they gradually grind out to win.