We tend to look at the regular season match-ups between playoff opponents when trying to decide which way a series will go, but that doesn’t always help us. Had you looked at what had gone down between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors over the past couple of seasons, you would have assumed that Toronto would be moving on in rather comfortable fashion. The apple cart has been well and truly upset after Game 1, though, as it was the Heat who marched into Toronto and came away with an improbable 102-96 OT win versus the Raptors. That has placed an incredible amount of pressure on the team from north of the border, as they are now aware that Game 2 is stepping into must win territory. For their part, the Heat know that winning both games on the road will put them in a position of power, which makes you wonder if they are going to come out and go right for the jugular. You can wager and keep up to date with all the NBA betting odds on this one at MyBookie.ag.
How To Bet The Heat vs Raptors NB Playoffs Odds, TV & Game Info
When: Thursday, May 5 at 8 PM EST
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto
TV: ESPN
NBA Odds: TBA
Why bet on the Miami Heat
With their 102-96 OT win in Game 1, the Miami Heat now have two playoff road wins in a row, as they escaped elimination with a Game 6 win in Charlotte in the opening round. Taking two on the road against a very good Raptors team is a big ask, but it has to be said that Toronto looks a little fragile right now. The Heat will continue to have success for as long as Hassan Whiteside wins the rebounding battles at either end. The big man chipped in 17 rebounds in Game 1, which was his second best performance in the playoffs so far. The worry here is that the Heat will be satisfied with the split, and may not go all out for the win.
Why bet on the Toronto Raptors
This looks to be a case of history repeating itself, as the Raptors once again come out and lose Game 1 on home court. They did the exact same thing in the opening round against the Indiana Pacers, and ended up being made to work very hard for the 7-game series win. The Raptors are still not getting enough out of Lowry and DeRozan, and that is something that needs to change in a hurry if they are to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. The Raptors won 3-straight regular season home games against the Heat in the last 2 seasons, and it’s tough to imagine that they will drop 2 in a row at home to start this series.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
The Raptors look bound and determined to make things as tough on themselves as possible in this postseason, and it almost appears as though they need some adversity to get fired up. Losing Game 1 at home should prove to be a major motivator coming into this one, and I think they will do enough to edge it out.
MyBookie Final Score Prediction:
Miami Heat 97 Toronto Raptors 98
