The Miami Heat will visit the Toronto Raptors on February 21, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena. The game tips off at 7:30 PM ET, with Miami looking to end a four-game losing streak. The Heat are ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 25-28 record, while the Raptors sit 13th at 17-38.
Miami won the last matchup between these teams on December 12, 2024, with a 114-104 victory at home. Both teams have struggled lately, with Toronto losing five of their last six games. The Heat made roster changes at the trade deadline, and the Raptors are focused on player development for the rest of the season.
Raptors Preview – Can Toronto Find Consistency at Home?
Toronto is 12-17 at home this season and has been inconsistent. Head coach Darko Rajakovic wants to use the remaining games to develop young players. The Raptors traded Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Davion Mitchell and added Brandon Ingram, who is currently out with a sprained ankle.
RJ Barrett has been the primary scoring option, leading the team with 27 points in their last game. Scottie Barnes continues to contribute in all areas, with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his last outing. With key players like Jakob Poeltl and Ulrich Chomche sidelined, Toronto needs role players to step up.
Defensively, the Raptors have struggled, ranking 25th in points allowed at 116.5 per game. The team also lacks rebounding presence, sitting near the bottom of the league in total rebounds. To compete with Miami, Toronto will need to focus on defensive rotations and limiting second-chance points.
Heat Preview – Can Miami End the Losing Streak?
Miami is 12-17 on the road this season and needs a win to stay in the playoff race. The Heat have struggled recently, losing four straight games before the All-Star break. Tyler Herro has been a bright spot, scoring 40 points in the last game, and will need to lead the way again.
The Heat have a new look after trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. The additions of Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Davion Mitchell bring new dynamics, but the team is still finding its rhythm. Bam Adebayo continues to be a force inside, averaging a double-double and providing stability in the paint.
Miami’s defense has been inconsistent, giving up 116.5 points per game, the same as Toronto. The Heat’s focus will be on improving their defense, particularly on the perimeter. Offensively, the team needs more contributions beyond Herro and Adebayo to get back on track.
Betting Prediction
Miami is a 3-point favorite in this matchup, with the total set at 220. The Heat are 2-1 against the Raptors this season and have shown they can win on the road. Toronto’s focus on development might make it tough for them to keep up with a motivated Miami team.
Expect Miami to take control early and rely on Herro and Adebayo to lead the way. The Raptors’ injuries and inconsistency give the Heat an edge. The prediction is Miami to win and cover the spread, with the total likely staying under 220 points.
Pick: Miami Heat -3 over the Toronto Raptors on Friday in the NBA.
