NBA Playoffs: Raptors vs Heat Game 6 Preview & Prediction

Submitted by Sack on Fri, 05/13/2016 - 09:50

The Raptors are on the cusp of going to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the franchise’s history. If they win tonight, they’re going. If not, and the Heat can hang in there, we’re all going to be in store for a do-or-die 7th game. Keep reading to get the full game preview.

Toronto Raptors vs Miami Heat

Time: Friday, May 13, 2016 8:00 PM ET
Place: AmericanAirlines Arena
Betting Odds: Miami Heat -4
Total: 189

Bet on the Raptors

Game 5 was all about Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. When it all ended, the two had put up 59 points, which was enough to win over the Heat by a score of 99-91. The Raptors also managed to take the series lead with 3 games to Miami’s 2 and are now one game away from heading the Eastern Conference Finals.

Lowry and DeRozan have already proved they can get the job done in Miami. However, with the stakes running so high, they’re going to have to have another big night if they hope to win on the Heat’s court.

And, these two will not be the only players Miami needs to perform well tonight. Since Valanciunas is injured, Miami will look to Bismark Biyombo to handle things at center, while Cory Joseph will have to add his own contribution on both sides of the court.

Because the Heat is also missing one of their key players, Hassan Whiteside, Biyombo has a chance to prove himself worthy. Over the last two games, Biyombo has averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and they’ll need him to have as many points in tonight’s game.

Bet on the Heat

Dwayne Wade will have to step up again to lead his team past the Raptors tonight and into a seventh game. There’s no denying he can do this, as just over this series he’s averaged 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

However, the Raptors have been a hard nut to crack and they’ll need Goran Dragic and Joe Johnson’s contribution to get through tonight’s with a victory. Although the pair have been putting up fairly decent numbers, 15.4 and 12 points respectively, their shooting average needs to be much higher than what it is, 40% from the field.

The Heat is in a pretty pickle at the moment. With Whiteside’s injury, they’re now hampered in defending within the paint. And, if his injury wasn’t enough, now it seems Luol Deng is questionable due to an injured wrist.

Without these two key players, the pressure is on Wade to have another big night. As for defense, they’re going to have to figure out a way of stopping Lowry and DeRozan from getting into any sort of a rhythm.