Betting the Miami vs Toronto Pro Hoops Match Up

While many NBA odds pundits have penciled in the Cleveland Cavaliers to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2016 NBA Finals, the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat may both have something to say about that prediction. The two Eastern Conference title contenders will square off in a matchup of the two teams most likely to upset Cleveland in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Now, let’s find out who’s going to bring home the bacon in this intriguing pairing.

How to Bet the Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors NBA Odds & TV Info

When: Saturday March 12 7:00 PM  ET Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario TV: SUN NBA Odds: TBA

Why Bet the Miami Heat

Miami (37-27 SU, 34-29 ATS) looks like a solid wager in this contest because they’ve got an elite defense, a pair of big-time closers and plenty of motivation. The Heat had their five-game winning streak snapped in their humbling 114-108 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday while failing to cover the spread as a 3.5-point road favorite. Making matters worse is the fact that the Heat have lost two straight and three of the last four meetings against Toronto. Still, Miami ranks second in the league in points allowed (97.2) and plays the kind of defense that will keep them in almost every game no matter who they play. The Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Miami is also 11-3 ATS in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference.

Why Bet the Toronto Raptors

The Raptors (43-20 SU, 34-29 ATS) look like a great pick in this matchup for three very good reasons. First, they’re playing at home where they’ve gone 25-7 this season. Next, the Raptors are playing solid basketball having won four of their last five games and last but not least, they want revenge against Miami. Toronto beat Atlanta 104-96 on Thursday to cash in as a 3.5-point home favorite and snap a three-game ATS losing streak in the process. The Raptors are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five home games against a team with a winning road record and 5-1 ATS in their last six games against teams from the Southeast Division.

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

While I’ve been very impressed with the Miami Heat and their play since acquiring Joe Johnson, I’m going to urge you to back the Toronto Raptors in this contest because I believe they will view this game as a must-win ‘statement’ matchup. While the Heat are 6-2 ATS in the last eight rod games against Toronto, the favorite in this series is 9-3 ATS in the last dozen meetings while the home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings. Miami is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games, but the Heat are also 1-4 ATS in the last five matchups against Toronto. My final score prediction: Toronto 102 Miami 98