Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction: Toronto Making a Late Run
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction: Toronto Making a Late Run
- When: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: League Pass
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Line Movement
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Prediction
Aside from the perpetually scorching Memphis Grizzlies, the hottest team in the NBA plays above the border.
The Toronto Raptors, mired in play-in purgatory not long ago, have won five games in a row, which is tried for the second longest current streak in the league. They've also covered four of those wins, which brings their yearlong record against the spread to 44-32-1, third best in the NBA behind the Grizzlies and Thunder.
How are they doing it? With defense, of course. Over their last 15 games, the Raps have the top unit in the league, with a defensive rating of 107.1 - more than a full point per 100 possessions better than the second place Grizzlies in that time and more than two points clear of the third place Celtics. Their starting five is finally healthy and that collective size is giving opponents fits. Their overall net rating in those 15 games is also second in the East, trailing only Boston.
The Heat had been scuffling a bit, with four straight losses through last weekend, but they've rebounded with three consecutive wins over the Kings, Celtics and Bulls. They are making a charge to keep the top seed.
That said, this game means more to Toronto. Right now, they're in the 4/5 slot, but drop down just a bit and there's a chance they could draw the Bucks in the first round. That's a fate they want to avoid. This is the first of four straight at home to end the season for the Raptors, and they'll get the final home stand off on the right foot. Give the points at home.
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Pick
- Pick: Raptors -3.5 @ -108 (Bet $108 to win $100)
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
- When: 6:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: League Pass
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Line Movement
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Prediction
Two teams playing out the string with a bunch of young players trying to gain experience.
Of the two, the Knicks are in the better position to come away with a convincing win. Orlando has lost five straight and have dropped seven of nine against the spread as their brief run of competence has come to an end. They are incredibly thin, with most of their normal rotation sidelined with injuries and standout rookie Franz Wagner now questionable with an ankle injury he suffered in the last game.
The Knicks are banged up as well, with Julius Randle now likely out for the season along with Derrick Rose, who has been out since December. On the bright side, solid rookie Quentin Grimes may make his return for this game, giving the Knicks an extra bit of depth they've been missing. New York is 9-10 since the break and while neither their offense nor their defense is a lock to show up on any given night, their effort is pretty much a given.
This spread is small enough to feel good about taking the road team, who owes the Magic a defeat after losing twice to them earlier in the season. Give the points on the road.
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Pick
- Pick: Knicks -5 @ -107 (Bet $107 to win $100)