Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat
Records: Raptors (15-4), Heat (14-5)
Where to Watch
Date: Dec. 3, 2019
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SN1 (Canada), Fox Sports Sun or NBA League Pass (USA)
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Game Preview
The Toronto Raptors are flying winners of their last seven games ahead of Tuesday night's matchup against the Heat.
Pascal Siakam was terrific on Sunday in Toronto's blowout win over the Jazz, but it's Fred VanVleet who's surprised many since Kyle Lowry went down with a thumb injury.
VanVleet has kept the team afloat enough so that he should be considered in this year's All-Star discussion. While VanVleet has been terrific, he's leading the league in minutes per game — a position the Raptors would rather not have him be in. Help could be on the way in the backcourt in the form of Kyle Lowry who is closing in on returning to the lineup and Tuesday might be a perfect time.
Lowry hasn't played since November 8 as he's been sidelined with a thumb injury. On Monday, head coach Nick Nurse said that Lowry is a "possibility" to return against Miami.
Kyle Lowry (thumb) is a ‘possibility’ to play tomorrow night vs. Miami, says Nurse. Pat McCaw (knee) did some live work today but is still a ways away.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) December 2, 2019
Serge Ibaka made his return to the lineup on Sunday and after shaking off the rust was impressive in his first action since early November.
Miami's visit to Scotiabank Arena presents an opportunity for the Raptors to continue their unbeaten streak at home which currently sits at nine straight. It's the longest home winning streak to start the season in franchise history.
Miami is off to a stellar start to the season as well. The Heat roll into the SBA winning eight of their last ten games. Led by Jimmy Butler, the Heat have been successful playing team basketball. Seven players on the Heat average double-digit scoring — tied for the most in the league with the Sacramento Kings.
While they've shared the ball well on offence, Miami has been stingy on defence with a defensive rating of 103.5 which is just outside the league's top five.
Expect a close, physical, defensive battle on Tuesday night.
With Miami in town, it gives Canadian fans a chance to see Kelly Olynyk for the first time this season. Olynyk has come off the bench exclusively for the Heat this season averaging 8.7 points, 5.2 rebounds shooting 46.7% from the field in 22.8 minutes.
Injury Report
Raptors: Matt Thomas (finger) — day-to-day, Stanley Johnson (ankle) — out, Kyle Lowry (Thumb) — day-to-day, Patrick McCaw (Knee) — Out indefinitely
Heat: Goran Dragic (right groin) — out
Game Notes
- The Heat are a perfect 10-0 this season when scoring at least 110 points.
- Miami has scored at least 70 first-half points three times this season, already the most in any season in franchise history
- Miami is defeating opponents by an average of +14.1 points in wins this season, the third-highest margin in the NBA
Last Time They Played
Date: Apr. 7, 2019
Score: Raptors 117, Heat 109 F/OT
Raptors: Pascal Siakam — 23 points, 10 rebounds
Heat: Dwyane Wade — 21 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
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