clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Heat begin final homestand of season against Toronto Raptors

By David Dwork
LeBron James will look to continue his bid for MVP as the Heat return home for 4 games.
LeBron James will look to continue his bid for MVP as the Heat return home for 4 games.

The Miami Heat are looking to close out their regular season on a high note, with six games remaining on the schedule. They are currently on a three game winning streak, with the last two coming on the road, where they have had some struggles of late. Miami is also trying to catch the Chicago Bulls for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, currently trailing the Bulls by 2½ games.

Tonight the Heat will host the Toronto Raptors in the first game of a four game homestand before Miami plays their final two games of the season on the road. The Heat have been getting some excellent efforts from their stars, with LeBron James making a final bid to be the NBA's Most Valuable Player, especially after scoring Miami's last 17 points in an exciting come from behind victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday.

Chris Bosh has also been picking things up lately, recording a double double in each of his last two games after not recording one since before the All-Star Game back in late February. He finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds in a win over the Knicks on Sunday and then another 22 points and 15 rebounds the following night in New Jersey. Bosh also has played well against Toronto, his former team, since joining the Heat last season.

GAME NOTES

  • The Heat are 25-4 at home. Toronto is 10-20 on the road.
  • Miami has won 5 straight games against the Raptors at the AAA.
  • This is the third and final game of the season between Miami and Toronto.
  • The Heat have won both games, winning one at home and one on the road.
  • Miami has won the last 7 meetings against the Raptors.
  • They have also won 3 straight games overall, including back to back road games against the Knicks and the Nets.
  • Toronto has lost 5 of their last 7.
  • This is the first of four home games in five nights for the Heat.
  • Dwyane Wade (ankle) and Shane Battier (neck) are expected to be available for Miami after being held out of Monday's game in New Jersey.
  • Also for the Heat, center Ronny Turiaf (hamstring) is questionable.
  • As for Toronto, forward Linas Kleiza (knee) and guard Jose Calderon (eye) are questionable while center Andrea Bargnani (calf) and guard Jerryd Bayless (oblique) are out.

Tipoff from the AAA is set for 7:30. The game will be broadcast locally on Sun Sports.

More From Hot Hot Hoops