Heat Rely on Tyler Herro as They Host Raptors in NBA Cup Matchup

The Miami Heat look to climb above .500 as they face the struggling Toronto Raptors on Friday night in a crucial NBA Cup Group B game. Both teams are unlikely to advance in the tournament but aim to build momentum in a season that has presented its share of challenges.

Butler’s Status in Question

Jimmy Butler’s availability is a major storyline for Miami. The six-time All-Star left Wednesday’s 117-100 win over Charlotte with a back injury after scoring six points and grabbing four rebounds in 25 minutes. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra described Butler’s exit as precautionary.
“His back tightened up,” Spoelstra said.

Butler, 35, is averaging 18.4 points per game this season—below his career norms—and Miami will need his leadership and two-way presence if he can play. If not, the Heat will turn to their other stars to fill the void.

Herro’s Career Year Leading the Heat

Tyler Herro has been Miami’s offensive engine this season, averaging a career-high 23.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. The sixth-year pro is emerging as an All-Star contender and will play a pivotal role whether Butler suits up or not.

Beyond Herro, the Heat will lean on Bam Adebayo (15.9 points per game) and Terry Rozier (12.8 points per game) to pick up the scoring load. Adebayo’s presence in the paint and Rozier’s perimeter shooting will be crucial if Miami hopes to secure a win.

Raptors Struggling Despite Recent Bright Spot

The Raptors enter Friday’s matchup at 5-14, including a dismal 1-10 record on the road. However, their lone road win came in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, a 119-93 victory over New Orleans.

Toronto made 21 three-pointers in that game—their highest mark since January 2021—despite ranking last in the NBA in three-pointers per game (10.4) entering the contest. Reserve Jamison Battle provided a spark, hitting 6-of-8 from deep en route to a career-high 24 points.
“We have capable shooters,” Battle said. “It’s just a confidence thing.”

Injuries Leave Raptors Shorthanded

Toronto’s depth has been tested this season due to injuries to key players, including:

• Immanuel Quickley (elbow): Averaging 15.3 points in three starts.
• Gradey Dick (calf): Contributing 18.1 points per game in 17 starts.
• Bruce Brown (knee) and Kelly Olynyk (back): Yet to play this season after being key starters last year.

This has left the Raptors relying heavily on Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett.

• Scottie Barnes: Leads the team in assists (6.4) and ranks second in scoring (20.0) and rebounds (8.4).
• RJ Barrett: Paces the Raptors in scoring (22.8) and is second in assists (6.3).

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Tyler Herro vs. Raptors Defense: Herro’s ability to lead Miami’s offense, especially if Butler is out, will test Toronto’s defensive schemes.
2. Scottie Barnes’ Playmaking: Barnes will need to balance scoring and distributing against Miami’s versatile defenders like Adebayo.
3. Battle of the Role Players: Toronto’s Jamison Battle and Miami’s supporting cast, including Rozier, could swing the game with timely scoring.
4. Three-Point Shooting: Toronto’s resurgence from deep will be tested against a Heat team that prioritizes perimeter defense.

NBA Cup Implications

Miami (1-2) and Toronto (0-2) are likely out of contention in Group B, with Milwaukee (3-0) and Detroit (2-0) controlling the group. However, Friday’s game still offers an opportunity for both teams to find consistency and build momentum.

The Bigger Picture

For Miami, this game is a chance to stabilize their season and continue integrating Herro as a focal point of the offense. Toronto, meanwhile, is searching for consistency amid injuries and a difficult start to the year.

Can the Heat extend their winning streak, or will the Raptors build on their rare road win? Friday’s game promises an intriguing clash of teams looking to turn their seasons around.