Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat 1/29/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Matchup Preview (1/29/22)

The Raptors travel to take on the Miami Heat Saturday night in a potential playoff preview. With the Heat sitting at 1st in the East and the Raptors sitting at 9th, it is entirely feasible these teams will battle it out in the first round. The Raptors are 8-6 in January, but are coming off a 111-105 loss to the Chicago Bulls. With VanVleet out, Gary Trent Jr took an expanded offensive role and paced the team with 32 points. Anunoby produced 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while rookie Scottie Barnes chipped in 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Even though the Raptors have numerous perimeter defenders, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan torched them with a combined 52 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. Big man Nikola Vuvecic was too much for Precious Achiuwa to handle as he scored 17 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and facilitated 8 assists. The Raptors will look to bounce back in another tough matchup, especially if Fred VanVleet, who is questionable, does not play. If VanVleet does not play, then Gary Trent Jr, Delano Banton, and Malachi Flynn would see larger roles. 

The Heat have been producing impressive wins against very solid competition. In the last 10 games, they have defeated teams like the Suns, Raptors, Lakers, Knicks, Hawks, and Trail Blazers. They finally have Butler and Adebayo on the court together, but Lowry has been absent for the past few games. Once again, the Heat will be forced to frequently use their depth at the guard position. It seems counter intuitive, but these missed games are actually aiding the Heat in the long run. Their bench is battle-tested and acclimated to high pressure moments. This experience provides an edge for the Heat come playoff time since their role players will psychologically be more prepared for the moment. It does come at the cost of lost chemistry, so the Heat are hoping for Lowry to see the court soon with Butler and Adebayo. Kyle Lowry and Markieff Morris are expected to be out for this matchup. Gabe Vincent would likely get the start at point guard, which leaves Herro and Strus to command the bench backcourt. 

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Betting Odds

In their only previous matchup on January 17th, the Heat won a hard fought game 104-99. Chris Boucher led the Raptors in scoring with 23 points off the bench while also grabbing 10 rebounds. VanVleet had a solid game with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, but it was not enough to overcome the Heat. Tyler Herro scored 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench to lead them to a victory. In the rematch, I expect the Raptors to even up the series. The Heat are 2-5 in the second game of a back-to-back this year. Banged up players like Butler need the rest, so I like the fresh Raptors to defeat the Heat. I am expecting the score to be around 110-105, and I would be surprised if either team broke 120 points. Both sides feature elite defensive players who should keep the scoring down and halt an offensive explosion. 

TV Schedule

Date: 1/29/22
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Arena: FTX Arena – Miami, FL
Channel: NBA League Pass

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Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup

PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Gary Trent Jr
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: OG Anunoby
C: Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Analysis

With Fred VanVleet out the last two games, Gary Trent Jr picked up the offensive slack in a major way. Trent Jr scored 32 points in both contests, which resulted in a 12-point win over the Hornets and a 6-point loss to the Bulls. His previous season high was 31 points against the Utah Jazz on November 18th. Even though the Heat are a better team on paper than the Raptors, the roster matches up well against the Heat. Trent Jr and Barnes can slow down the Heat backcourt of Vincent and Robinson, while Anunoby has the length and instincts to bother Jimmy Butler. Adebayo is a concern on the glass and as a roll man, but Siakam and Achiuwa are adequate enough to minimize his impact in the paint. Overall, the Raptors starting lineup sans VanVleet can hang with the Lowry-less Heat starting lineup. 

The bench battle will be the scare for the Raptors. Can Malachi Flynn and Dalano Banton realistically be expected to keep pace with Tyler Herro and Max Strus? It certainly seems like a stretch even on their best night. And while Chris Boucher has been effective off the bench, Omer Yurtseven can at least match his production. If the Raptors bench can hang with the Heat bench, then the Raptors have a good chance of knocking off the Heat. Trent Jr must continue his stellar play though, or the Raptors will not have enough offense firepower. I am taking a chance on the Raptors because their defense can get the job done.

Miami Heat Starting Lineup

PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Duncan Robinson
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: PJ Tucker
C: Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat Analysis

The Heat have so many quality players that a few seldom get the attention and praise they deserve. Lowry, Herro, and Robinson deservedly garner the backcourt attention, but Gabe Vincent and Max Strus have played above their expectations. Vincent has been a solid injury replacement in the starting lineup and stopped the Heat from experiencing a huge drop in production from the point guard position when Lowry sits. On the season, he is averaging 8.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, 1.9 RPG, and 0.9 SPG  in 22.8 MPG. His outside shooting (38.1 3PT%) severely enhances the effectiveness of Butler as a slasher and Adebayo as a roll man since they both need space to operate in the paint. Vincent is an excellent defender against the pick and roll ball handler because of his anticipation and active hands. When opponents isolate against him, they similarly do not have much success. He will be a weapon against opposing benches during the playoffs. 

Max Strus has absolutely been one of the best spot up shooters in the entire NBA. His 39.8% mark from deep is dangerous next to Herro’s playmaking. He is averaging 11.3 PPG, 1.3 APG, and 3.4 RPG on the year. While Strus is not a great defender, he has been excellent guarding the pick and roll ball handler, although a factor behind this success could be Adebayo or Yurtseven lurking behind him and deterring ball handlers from testing Strus on a drive. Opponents can target him in isolation, but he competes and is not a doormat in the slightest. The Heat have a plethora of guards ready to dismantle opponents and exploit weak benches. Between Lowry, Herro, Robinson, Vincent, and Strus, they have a certain type of player ready for any scenario. 

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat Daily Fantasy Picks

For this matchup, I like Gary Trent Jr, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. Trent Jr’s shooting has caught fire while his offensive responsibilities have increased. That combination is one of the best possible in fantasy. Even if VanVleet plays, I expect Trent Jr to carry the scoring load and lead the team in FGA. Adebayo, meanwhile, is going against a Raptors team that does not have a true center in the starting lineup. Siakam is a power forward, while Achiuwa is a 6’8” hybrid center. The tools are there for Adebayo to get close to a triple-double. Tyler Herro will face a weak bench backcourt while getting a ton of minutes. In the Heat’s last game, Herro made his return from a three game absence with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 33 minutes. I like Herro to break the 25/5/5 boundary in this one.