(Photo via Getty Images)
It has been nearly one full week since the Miami Heat have last hit the floor. And after a disappointing NBA Cup quarterfinals knockout loss at the hands of the in-state rival Orlando Magic, the Heat are searching to get back on track.
They have lost a season-worst four games in a row and five of their last six games. Additionally, Miami is just 5-5 over their last 10 matchups. This recent skid has seen the Heat dip to the current sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they are still just 1.0 game back of re-taking control of the third seed. Tonight’s matchup against the visiting Toronto Raptors will have some impact on the tight race between the middle of the East.
Miami is at a 14-11 record, just a half game behind the 15-11 Raptors. Coincidentally, Toronto is also in the midst of a losing streak of their own after starting the season off strong. They are just 4-6 over their last 10 games. Both the Heat and Raptors will be battling for a long overdue bounce back victory.
The Raptors are coming off an NBA Cup loss to the New York Knicks. And they will be without one of their top scorers against Miami in RJ Barrett, who is sidelined with a knee injury. For the Heat, only Pelle Larsson (ankle) is listed as out.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Toronto Raptors:
- Jamison Battle (ankle) — PROBABLE
- RJ Barrett (knee) — OUT
- Chucky Hepburn (g-league) — OUT
- AJ Lawson (g-league) — OUT
- Alijah Martin (g-league) — OUT
Miami Heat:
- Kasparas Jakucionis (ankle) — PROBABLE
- Pelle Larsson (ankle) — OUT
- Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Toronto Raptors:
- Immanuel Quickley, G
- Jamal Shead, G
- Brandon Ingram, F
- Scottie Barnes, F
- Jakob Poeltl, C
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Tyler Herro, G
- Norman Powell, G/F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, F/C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 7:30 PM EST
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!
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