Heat vs. Raptors Preview: Miami Looks to Bounce Back in Rematch at Kaseya Center
The Miami Heat are hoping a little extra health and a whole lot of urgency will help them flip the script Tuesday night when they host the Toronto Raptors at Kaseya Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and if there's one thing clear heading into this matchup, it's that Miami is looking to respond after a frustrating loss to this same Raptors squad just over a week ago.
That 106-96 defeat on December 15 wasn’t just another game-it was a late addition to the schedule thanks to the NBA’s new in-season tournament format. And while it didn’t go Miami’s way, it set the tone for a rematch that now carries a bit more edge.
Who’s In, Who’s Out: Heat Getting Some Reinforcements
The good news for Miami? The injury report is looking a little less crowded.
Guard Davion Mitchell is available after dealing with an ankle issue, and Norman Powell (thumb) is also cleared to go. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (calf) and Kasparas Jakucionis (ankle) are both listed as available as well.
Still, the Heat aren’t at full strength. Tyler Herro remains out with a toe injury, Nikola Jovic is sidelined with an elbow issue, and Pelle Larsson is out due to an ankle injury. Terry Rozier is also unavailable, listed as “Not With Team,” and Jahmir Young is doubtful as he continues his stint in the G League.
On the Raptors' side, they’ll be without RJ Barrett (knee) and Jakob Poeltl (back), two key pieces of their rotation. Barrett’s absence removes one of Toronto’s more dynamic scorers, while Poeltl’s size and rim protection will be missed in the paint.
Recent History: Heat Have the Edge, But Raptors Took the Last One
This is the second of four regular-season meetings between the two teams, and while Toronto got the better of Miami in their first clash, the Heat have had the upper hand in recent years. Miami won the season series 3-1 last year and has taken five of the last seven overall against the Raptors.
Historically, the Heat have dominated this matchup at home, boasting a 39-18 record against Toronto at Kaseya Center. Overall, Miami leads the all-time regular-season series 65-44. But records don’t mean much when the Raptors just came into your building and left with a win.
Toronto is in the middle of a three-game road trip that began with a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. After Tuesday’s game, they’ll close out their 2025 road schedule with a visit to Washington on Friday.
Projected Starters
Miami Heat
- G: Davion Mitchell
- G: Norman Powell
- C: Kel’el Ware
- F: Bam Adebayo
- F: Andrew Wiggins
Toronto Raptors
- F: Scottie Barnes
- F: Brandon Ingram
- C: Sandro Mamukelashvili
- G: Ochai Agbaji
- G: Immanuel Quickley
There’s a lot of intrigue in these starting lineups. For Miami, the backcourt of Mitchell and Powell is a makeshift duo, but both bring defensive intensity and the ability to create off the dribble.
Bam Adebayo remains the anchor on both ends, while Andrew Wiggins continues to find his rhythm in a new system. Rookie Kel’el Ware draws the start at center, and his matchup against Mamukelashvili will be one to watch in the trenches.
Toronto’s starting five is powered by Scottie Barnes, who continues to evolve into a do-it-all force, and Brandon Ingram, whose scoring punch has added a new dimension to the Raptors’ offense. Immanuel Quickley and Ochai Agbaji bring speed and spacing to the backcourt, while Mamukelashvili will be tasked with holding down the paint in Poeltl’s absence.
Spoelstra’s Message: Toughness Wins in This League
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t mince words when asked about where his team stands.
“We are developing a collective, competitive will,” Spoelstra said. “These painful games, eventually, are going to be wins.
We're not happy about the result; we're not trying to just play well and lose at the end. We're developing a competitive, collective will.
Our guys care in the locker room, but it's got to be another level. It's not enough, it's got to be more.
This league is a savage league. It's survival of the competitive toughest.
That's where we're going to get.”
That quote says everything about where Miami is mentally. This isn’t a team content with moral victories or developmental silver linings.
They want results. And with the standings tightening and the season nearing its midpoint, now is the time to turn that competitive fire into wins.
Betting Line
Heat -5.5
Vegas sees Miami as the favorite, and with good reason. Despite their recent loss to Toronto, the Heat are at home, healthier, and historically dominant in this matchup. But if we’ve learned anything from this league, it’s that no lead is safe and no matchup is guaranteed.
The Bottom Line
Tuesday night’s game isn’t just about revenge-it’s about momentum. For Miami, it’s a chance to get back on track, defend home court, and continue developing the chemistry that’s been elusive due to injuries and lineup shuffles. For Toronto, it’s an opportunity to prove that their last win over the Heat wasn’t a fluke and that they can hang with a team that’s typically had their number.
Two teams, both missing key players, both trying to find consistency. It’s December basketball with a postseason edge-and that’s the kind of game you circle on the calendar.