Game Preview
The struggling Toronto Raptors (5-15) will look to snap out of their funk as they host the surging Miami Heat (9-8) on Sunday night. While the Raptors have stumbled to a dismal 25 percent win rate this season, the Heat have found their stride, hovering around a 53 percent winning clip and riding a two-game surge.
Toronto's offensive woes have been glaring, as they've averaged just 112.5 points per contest while allowing a concerning 116.8 points on the defensive end. Their shooting numbers have been pedestrian at best, with field goal and three-point percentages of 46.5 and 33.9 percent, respectively. The Raptors have failed to find a consistent rhythm, losing seven of their last 10 games while struggling to eclipse a 31 percent win rate during that stretch.
Meanwhile, the Heat have showcased a balanced attack, scoring 111 points per game while allowing just 109.4 points against stiffer opposition. Their shooting percentages have been more respectable, with a 44.5 percent mark from the field and a 37.8 percent clip from beyond the arc. Miami has been particularly potent over their last five outings, winning four of five while boosting their scoring output to 110.2 points per game and limiting opponents to just 103.6 points.
While the Raptors have shown flashes of competitiveness, grabbing nearly 50 rebounds and dishing out 28.4 assists over their last five games, their inability to take care of the ball (14.6 turnovers) and protect the rim (3.6 blocks) has continually undermined their efforts. Conversely, the Heat have excelled in these areas, committing just 11.2 turnovers while swatting away 3.0 shots per game during their recent hot streak.
With the Heat clicking on both ends and the Raptors still searching for answers, Miami appears poised to extend their winning ways and compound Toronto's early-season misery. The Raptors will need to tighten their defensive rotations, value possession, and find a way to slow the Heat's balanced attack if they hope to pull off an upset on their home floor.