The Toronto Raptors (56-24) welcome the Miami Heat (38-41) to Scotiabank Arena to begin their Eastern Conference schedules. Action begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 7, 2019, and can be seen on NBATV.
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
Both teams lost as favorites in their last game. The Raptors (6.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 113-111, while the Heat (4-point favorites) fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-109. The Toronto game hit the projected point total of 224, while the Miami game went 1.5 points over the projected point total of 218.5.
Miami had an effective field goal percentage of 0.568 (above their season average of 0.515) while Toronto did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (16-20; 80.0 percent). Toronto’s Serge Ibaka played well, recording 20 points and 12 rebounds. Miami was lifted by Goran Dragic, who recorded 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Raptors have won all three contests against the Heat this year. The two teams combined for 229 points in their most recent game, which was over the projected point total of 214.5. Toronto won 125-104, covering as a 2-point underdog. One of Toronto’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 26 trips to the line, while Miami went 21 times. Despite the loss, Bam Adebayo had a standout performance with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Heat’s Dion Waiters has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 21 points,3.6 assists per game. Meanwhile, Ibaka has averaged 17 points,9.6 rebounds,1.2 blocks during that same time frame for the Raptors.
Toronto could have their way on defense as they square off against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The Raptors rank fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.510), while Miami is 21st in effective field goal percentage (0.515).
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Heat average 46.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. The Raptors rank 13th in rebounds allowed per game (44.8).
- Toronto ranks fourth in fast break points per game (18.4) while Miami ranks last (9.8).
- The Heat rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (42.0) while the Raptors rank 10th (47.6).
- Miami ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (23.2) while Toronto ranks 13th (24.5).
- Miami ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.5) while Toronto ranks ninth (5.3).
- The Raptors average 17.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. The Heat rank 20th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.2).
- The Heat average 14.3 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Raptors rank 11th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
- Miami averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Toronto ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
- Toronto ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (33.7) while Miami ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (32.8).
- Miami is 21-3 when they allow under 100 points, while Toronto is 14-1.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Raptors are 53-18 and the Heat are 34-22.
- Miami is 26-13 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 17-22-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 20 of the Heat’s 39 road games, while 21 of the Raptors’ 40 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Miami and Toronto have both had 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
- The Raptors are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Heat are 2-2-1.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 117.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.0 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
- The Heat’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, up from 0.2 for the season.
