GAME PREVIEW: Heat visit Raptors in Tampa

GAME STORY

The Miami Heat got back on track by beating the Detroit Pistons, but now they will play the Toronto Raptors who are also turning the corner from a rough start to the season.

The Raptors (5-8) have won three straight are looking to extend that as they will face the Heat in back to back games in Tampa.

Miami’s biggest problems will be guarding Kyle Lowry (without Avery Bradley) and Fred VanVleet in the backcourt. The Heat are not necessarily positioned to defend them well with their current starters. The Heat will have to deal with Pascal Siakim with probably Bam Adebayo. Don’t be surprised to see them shake up the starting unit again and add in Harkless who played well in the last game, or maybe move Gabe Vincent or Kendrick Nunn into the starting group to pair with the Raptors two guards — otherwise, Harkless or Okpala will be on them.

The Heat have their work cut out for them without Jimmy Butler available but they will compete.

ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat an 32% chance to win the game.

HEAT VS RAPTORS: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 AT 7:30 PM.

INJURIES

MIAMI:

• Jimmy Butler, OUT-HEALTHY & SAFETY PROTOCOL
• Avery Bradley, OUT-HEALTHY & SAFETY PROTOCOL
• Meyers Leonard, Out
• Tyler Herro: Out

TORONTO:

• Patrick McCaw: Out

LINEUPS

BROADCAST INFO

TV: FOX SPORTS SUN
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis, Ruth Riley Hunter)
SPANISH RADIO: WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda, Joe Pujala)

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