Heat vs. Raptors Prediction and Odds (Trust Miami In Critical Road Game)

The 50-28 Miami Heat bring a three-game winning streak into Toronto tonight as they take on the 45-32 Raptors at 7:00 PM EST.

Toronto has been one of the hottest teams in basketball of late. They've won 11 of 13; covering the spread in 10 of them. Miami, on the other hand, had failed to cover the spread in seven straight prior to this winning streak.

Have the Heat snapped out of their funk as we approach the end of the regular season or will Toronto stay hot at home?

Thanks to our friends at WynnBET Sportsbook, let's check out the odds to find some value in this Heat vs Raptors matchup:

Heat vs Raptors Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Heat +3.5 (-110)
• Raptors -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Heat: +130
• Raptors: -160

Total:

• 213 (Over -110/Under -110)

Heat vs Raptors Prediction and Pick

The Heat looked in danger of losing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after losing four straight, but they've rattled off three straight wins and now hold a half-game lead over Milwaukee. The Raptors have won five straight themselves and currently hold the No. 6 seed, but they're well-positioned to get the fifth or fourth seed if they keep winning.

Toronto has the NBA's best defense over the last month, utilizing a rangy, versatile group of defenders to switch coverage and confuse offenses. But the Heat are stout too, ranking fourth in defensive rating over the same time span. Their offense has struggled, but they've scored at least 120 in two of their last three and may have turned a corner.

I'm tempted to just stick with the Raptors, who have looked downright dominant. However, Miami has been excellent in these spots this season. They're 9-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 11 road games 14-6 ATS in their last 20 as an underdog. Toronto, meanwhile, is 3-6 ATS in their previous nine as a home favorite.

This feels like the perfect time to buy low on the Heat and sell high on the Raptors. Miami knows how important getting the No. 1 seed will be and have an excellent opportunity to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs. I trust we'll get their best effort today.

Pick: Heat +3.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.