Toronto At Miami NBA Betting Prediction, Pick & TV Info

You know that you are getting down to the important part of the regular season on the NBA when you start to hear about teams clinching a playoff spot while others are officially eliminated. For those teams on either side of that equation, the window of opportunity is truly starting to narrow. This is especially true for those just above or below the playoff lines as these teams know that a couple of losses in a row now could well be the difference between getting in and missing out.

The Miami Heat are currently clinging to the #8 seat in the Eastern Conference, but they could go as high as the 6-spot if they continue with their good recent form. Thursday night will see the Heat welcome in the Toronto Raptors a team that is still fighting to maintain that coveted #4 seed, which would mean home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. It’s all to play for in this one, which should make it an entertaining game. Find the updated NBA betting odds here.

Here’s A Closer Look At Toronto At Miami NBA Betting Prediction, Pick & TV Info

When: Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 PM EST Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami TV: NBATV Radio: CJCL and WAXY Live Stream: Watch NBA NBA Odds: TBA

Why bet on the Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors (42-29) are now looking as though they are going to be the #4 seed in the East when the playoffs begin. The reality is that they look unlikely to make up the 3 games on Boston that would get the division, and they look even less likely to give up the 4.5-game lead they have on the Atlanta Hawks in the #5 spot. You need to give credit to the Raptors, though as they are trying to make things tough on Boston, and are coming into this one on a 3-game winning streak. Toronto has done most of their good work on home court, and are just 1 game above .500 on the road this season. They have lost 2 of the last 3 games that they have played in Miami.

Why bet on the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat (35-36) are rounding into form at just the right time, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. That impressive run has vaulted them into the #8 seed, but there is still work to be done in order for the Heat to stay above the playoff line. The battle at the bottom of the playoff race is a tight one, and going cold now could mean sinking below that line. The good news for the Heat is that they are at home for this one, as they have been solid in their own building, going 21-15 on the season. They have also held their own versus teams with winning records this season, and are currently 17-18 against that group.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

In the years since LeBron left Miami, the Raptors have a 5-3 record versus the Heat, but it is the home team that usually holds court. This is a coin flip game, but I think the Heat win it in a close one.

Toronto Raptors 102 Miami Heat 104