Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors: Match Preview and Predictions - 3rd December 2019
Match Details
Fixture: Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors
Date & Time: Tuesday, 3rd December 2019 (7:30 PM ET)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Last Game Results
Miami Heat (14-5): 109-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets (1st December)
Toronto Raptors (15-4): 130-110 win over the Utah Jazz (1st December)
Miami Heat Preview
We are now into December, and the Miami Heat sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. Entering the season, the Heat were expected to scrap for one of the final playoff spots, although a 14-5 record has put them in contention for homecourt advantage, and Miami's fast start to the season shows no sign of slowing down.
Jimmy Butler has been excellent, while the likes of Bam Adebayo, Kendrick Nunn, and Goran Dragic also continue to make big contributions. Following Sunday's 109-106 win over Brooklyn, the Heat have lost just two of their past 10 games, although they haven't been great on the road so far this season (6-5).
Key Player - Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler was promised that a second star would follow when he joined the Heat this summer, although the 30-year-old is currently making it work on his own. His leadership qualities have been on show during a series of commanding performances, and the former Chicago man is currently averaging 18.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game
Heat Predicted Lineup:
Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Meyers Leonard, Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn
Toronto Raptors Preview
Despite losing Kawhi Leonard in the offseason, the Toronto Raptors have started the season with a 15-4 record, and sit second in the East. The loss of Leonard hasn't had the expected impact as Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have been able further to elevate their games, and Sunday's 130-110 win over the Utah Jazz was arguably Toronto's best performance of the season to date.
Serge Ibaka made his long-awaited return from injury during the win, and the Raptors could get another boost this week as Kyle Lowry nears a return to fitness.
Key Player - Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam was named Most Improved Player during the 2018-19 season, although the 25-year-old has been able to make another huge leap this season. Siakam scored 35 points during Toronto's most recent win over the Jazz, and through 19 appearances, the Cameroonian is averaging 25.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assist per game.
Raptors Predicted Lineup:
Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, Fred VanVleet
Heat vs Raptors Match Prediction
While the Heat have been excellent at home, they have struggled on the road against the NBA's best teams, and the Raptors are yet to be defeated at Scotiabank Arena this season (9-0). Due to this, Toronto enter the game as favorites, although Miami will push them all the way.
Where to Watch Heat vs Raptors?
There will be live coverage of the game on SN1 and Fox Sports Sun from 7:30 PM ET. You can also stream the game via NBA League Pass