GST Staff

Raptors vs. Heat Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets November 29, 2024

Heat Aim to Tame Struggling Raptors in High-Scoring Showdown

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The Miami Heat (8-8) will look to build on their recent momentum when they host the struggling Toronto Raptors (5-14) on Friday night. While the Heat have been hovering around .500 this season, they've found their groove over the last five games, winning three out of five behind a balanced offensive attack.

Over their last 10 contests, Miami is averaging a solid 111.4 points per game while shooting a respectable 44.9 percent from the field. However, their defensive intensity has wavered at times, allowing 110.4 points per contest during that stretch. If the Heat can tighten up on that end of the floor, their offense should give them an edge against the Raptors, who are surrendering 116.6 points per game this season.

Toronto, meanwhile, has struggled mightily out of the gate, stumbling to a 5-14 record despite some impressive offensive numbers. The Raptors are scoring 112.5 points per game and shooting 46.1 percent from the field, but their defensive lapses have been their undoing. Lately, Toronto has shown signs of life, winning three of their last five behind an uptick in scoring (113.4 points per game) and a slight improvement on defense (108.2 points allowed).

A key factor to watch will be the battle on the glass. The Heat have been merely average on the boards this year, grabbing 43.5 rebounds per contest, while the Raptors have been slightly more active, hauling in 46.4 rebounds per game. If Toronto can control the glass and limit Miami's second-chance opportunities, they'll give themselves a chance to pull off the road upset.

Ultimately, this matchup could come down to which team can maintain their recent momentum. The Heat enter on a one-game win streak, while the Raptors are fresh off a victory as well. With both squads showing glimpses of their potential over the past week, expect an up-tempo, high-scoring affair as they look to gain some traction in the early going.