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GAME STORY
The Miami Heat (6-7) take on the Toronto Raptors (5-9) one more time in Tampa FL on Friday after beating them 111-102 on Wednesday night. Miami can go for their first 3-game winning streak of the season but they will have to do it without Jimmy Butler, who remains out because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols along with Avery Bradley.
Miami was able to pull away from Toronto in the second half with a strong performance from Kendrick Nunn, who hit a variety of shots and looked confident in a game that reminded fans of his impressive rookie season. His 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench were crucial for a shorthanded team desperate for a spark off the bench. Kelly Olynyk also filled up the box score with 15 points, eight assists and eight rebounds as did Bam Adebayo with 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists — though the Heat would love to get a more aggressive Bam on the offensive side tonight.
As for Toronto, they struggled to contain Duncan Robinson early in the game and then struggled themselves from beyond the arc in the second half. Though they have disappointed so far this season, this remains a tough team to beat with Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam always capable of leading their team to victory. The duo combined for 42 points against the Heat two days ago, and starter OG Anunoby also contributed 18 points and seven rebounds in 40 minutes.
Miami will also be without Tyler Herro (neck) and Meyers Leonard (shoulder) again tonight.
ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat just a 34% chance to win the game.
HEAT VS RAPTORS: FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 7:30 PM.
INJURIES
MIAMI:
- Jimmy Butler, OUT-HEALTHY & SAFETY PROTOCOL
- Avery Bradley, OUT-HEALTHY & SAFETY PROTOCOL
- Meyers Leonard, Out - Shoulder
- Tyler Herro: Out - Neck
TORONTO:
- Patrick McCaw: Out
LINEUPS
Projected Starters
| Clippers | Position | Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Clippers | Position | Heat |
| Reggie Jackson | PG | Kyle Lowry |
| Paul George | SG | Tyler Herro |
| Kawhi Leonard | SF | Jimmy Butler |
| Marcus Morris Sr. | PF | Caleb Martin |
| Ivica Zubac | C | Bam Adebayo |
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)
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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