Raptors Look to End Slide

The Toronto Raptors are in need of a victory. The squad has not been able to contain opponents, resulting in a four-game losing streak. This includes an ugly 145-113 road loss to the Jazz this past weekend. The Raptors were a seven-point dog in a 105-96 home loss to the Celtics on Monday. The squad has dipped to last place in the Atlantic division. They have covered the spread in three of their last five games.

Pascal Siakam has been a bright spot. The 29-year-old power forward has recorded at least 25 points in two of his last three bouts. Siakam is sporting an average of 22.2 PPG on 52% shooting. He is the subject of trade rumors and could be dealt soon. Scottie Barnes collected 10 points on Monday. The 22-year-old forward has registered an average of 20.2 PPG and 8.5 RPG. RJ Barret has been solid with his new squad. The 23-year-old was acquired in a deal with the Knicks. He has reached 23 points in four of his last five games and has reported an average of 18.56PPG. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 15.8 PPG.

The Raptors are only 2-3 in their last five home games including a win against the Cavs. They covered the spread twice in that span. Toronto is averaging 115 points on the year, marking them 17th. The defense has been exploited, conceding at least 118 points in four of their last five games. They are squandering an average of 116.8 points, placing them 18th in the NBA.

Heat Eye Third Straight Win

The Miami Heat are seeking a fourth consecutive win. The squad is also 4-1 in its last five games. They beat the Magic followed by a dominating 104-87 home win against the Hornets on Sunday. Miami was marked as a one-point dog in a 96-95 overtime road win against the Nets on Monday night. The squad is in good shape, leading the Southeast division by three games ahead of the Magic. The Heat have been reliable, covering in four of their last five games.

Tyler Herro is in a groove, netting at least 20 points in three of his last four games. The 23-year-old point guard is averaging 22.7 PPG. He averaged 23 points in three games against the Raptors last season. Bam Adebayo has scored at least 20 points in four of his last five clashes. The veteran center has improved his season average to 21.7 PPG and 10.7 RPG. Jimmy Butler was dealing with a toe injury. He saw his first action of the month on Monday and sunk 31 points. The 34-year-old star is having another solid year, recording an average of 21.4 PPG and 5 RPG.

The Heat are only 2-3 in their last five road games including a loss against the Suns, covering the spread on two occasions in that span. Miami is scoring an average of 111.9 points on the season, ranking them 25th. They continue to play strong defense, allowing under 100 points in three straight games, and are conceding an average of only 110.6 points, good for third in the NBA.