Heat Seek Redemption Against Raptors in Second-Half Push for Playoffs

The NBA season is entering its final stretch, and every game matters now. The Miami Heat will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, hoping to gain momentum for a playoff push.

With both teams making key roster moves at the trade deadline, this matchup will serve as a measuring stick for Miami’s postseason aspirations and Toronto’s player development goals.

Heat Looking for a Reset After the Break

Before the All-Star break, the Heat (30-25) were struggling, dropping four straight games and slipping to ninth in the Eastern Conference. But with 29 games left, Miami is focused on making a strong run to secure a better playoff position.

“The last stretch of the season is really important for everyone,” Heat guard Tyler Herro said. “We’ve got a new group now. We’re going to hit the ground running.”

Miami has undergone significant changes since its last meeting with the Raptors on Dec. 12, a 114-104 home win in which Herro scored 23 points and Bam Adebayo had a dominant 21-point, 16-rebound performance.

The biggest shake-up? Miami traded franchise star Jimmy Butler to Golden State in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and former Raptor Davion Mitchell before the deadline.

“We’ve been searching for clarity and consistency,” Herro said. “Now, we have that. We love this group, and we’re excited for this next stretch after the break.”

Another advantage for Miami? Their remaining schedule includes 18 home games, which could help them build rhythm as they fight for playoff positioning.

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Toronto Emphasizing Growth Over Play-In Hopes

The Raptors (19-36) sit in 13th place in the East and have dropped five of their past six games. While a late-season surge for a play-in tournament spot isn’t impossible, head coach Darko Rajaković is taking a long-term approach.

“My goal is that every single player on the roster improves through this stretch,” Rajaković said. “We need to give opportunities for a lot of guys to play valuable minutes and set up good momentum going into the summer.”

Toronto made significant moves before the trade deadline, sending Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Mitchell out while acquiring All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

Rajaković confirmed that Ingram is “not close” to returning, meaning the Raptors will rely on Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett to carry the offensive load.

Big man Jakob Poeltl, who missed the last five games with a hip pointer, believes the Raptors still have a shot at the play-in tournament but agrees that growth is the top priority.

“Even if we don’t make it, we can still have a successful season if we grow as a team, build chemistry, and keep working the way we have,” Poeltl said.

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Head-to-Head: Heat vs. Raptors This Season

Miami leads the season series 2-1 after splitting a back-to-back set on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 before winning their last meeting in Miami.

With new faces on both teams and different motivations heading into the final stretch, this game will test whether the Heat can find consistency or if the Raptors’ young core can take another step forward.

Prediction: Miami’s playoff urgency should give them the edge, but the Raptors’ young talent could make things interesting at home.