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The Toronto Raptors will head to the FTX Arena for an Eastern Conference matchup against the Miami Heat on Saturday, January 29. Both teams recently met in a regular-season game, where the Heat were successful in grabbing a 104-99 win.
The Raptors come into this game after a disappointing loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points on his former team to lead the Bulls from the front. Gary Trent Jr. added 32 points for the Raptors, but his efforts were not enough on the night as the Bulls ran away 111-105 winners. Toronto will be hoping to bounce back strongly from this setback and put in a good performance in this road game.
However, their opponents are a Miami Heat team, which is currently leading the Eastern Conference. They come into this game after yet another impressive win over the LA Clippers. Jimmy Butler, Gabe Vincent and Bam Adebayo all had big nights to help the Heat bag a 121-114 win on the night.
Toronto Raptors Injury Report
Fred VanVleet's status for the game is reported as questionable due to right knee soreness. Khem Birch has been ruled out of this game for the Raptors due to a nose fracture. Two-way players David Johnson and Isaac Bonga will also be out as they have G-League commitments. Meanwhile, Goran Dragic is not with the team as a contract buy-out between the two parties looks increasingly likely.
Miami Heat Injury Report
The Miami Heat are yet to submit their injury report for the game. However, their absentees from the last game were Markieef Morris, Victor Oladipo and KZ Okpala all of whom will most probably be out for this game due to their respective injuries. Kyle Lowry has also sat out due to personal reasons for 4 games now. A confirmation on his return has not yet been given.
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat: Predicted Starting Lineups
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors will start Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes on the backcourt. OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam will share the frontcourt, while Precious Achiuwa starts at center. Chris Boucher has been impressive and will play significant minutes off the bench for the Raptors.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat will go with the same starting lineup they used to pick up the win against the Clippers. Gabe Vincent and Duncan Robinson will share the backcourt. Jimmy Butler and PJ Tucker will start on the frontcourt, while Bam Adebayo takes position as the center.
The Heat have a sixth man of the year contender in Tyler Herro, who has done an amazing job in his role, averaging 20.5 points per game. His ability to make tough shots and drain threes has proven to be an added advantage for the Heat during their stellar run this season.
Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat: Predicted Starting 5s
Toronto Raptors
Point Guard - Gary Trent Jr. | Shooting Guard - Scottie Barnes | Small Forward - OG Anunoby | Power Forward - Pascal Siakam | Center - Precious Achiuwa
Miami Heat
Point Guard - Gabe Vincent | Shooting Guard - Duncan Robinson | Small Forward - Jimmy Butler | Power Forward - PJ Tucker | Center - Bam Adebayo
