OGT Dec 18: Raptors (16-11) @ Heat (15-9) 8 PM EST

[Legends66NBA7]

http://www.nba.com/games/20151218/TORMIA/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nba:scoreboard


http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/raptors/sites/default/files/styles/story_main_photo/public/rapsvsheat-web.png



http://mlse.digital/raptors/projectedlineups-121815.jpg


After closing their homestand with a string of victories, the banged-up Toronto Raptors are fighting through an offensive slump on their three-game road swing.

It certainly won't get any easier in the finale against a team coach Dwane Casey said "got into us defensively and made it tough for us" last month.

As the Raptors try to avoid a season high-tying third straight loss, the defensive-minded Miami Heat seek their longest winning streak in 20 months Friday night.

Toronto shot 47.9 percent from the field in winning the last four of a six-game stay north of the border, but has struggled with a 36.4 mark over the first two of its trip.

Although DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points Thursday, Kyle Lowry shot 6 for 29 -- including 3 of 17 from 3-point range -- in a 109-99 overtime loss at Charlotte. The Raptors only made nine of a season-high 39 attempts (23.1 percent) from beyond the arc.

"It's almost like we have to get hit in the teeth before we compete," Casey said after his team rallied from a 16-point deficit to force overtime.

It hasn't helped that they're playing without starters Jonas Valanciunas (finger) and DeMarre Carroll (knee), the team's third and fourth leading scorers. Neither player is expected to return for the trip's final stop at American Airlines Arena.

Center Bismack Biyombo has filled in to give Toronto a solid defensive presence and finished with a career-best 18 rebounds and career high-tying seven blocks Thursday.

Valanciunas had a team-high 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the first meeting at Miami on Nov. 8. Lowry and DeRozan, however, were a combined 9 for 30 and the Raptors shot just 39.4 percent and were 3 of 19 from 3-point range in a 96-76 loss.

Toronto (16-11) had lost 16 in a row before winning the last two meetings in 2014-15. They could have a difficult time evening this season's series with Miami (15-9) leading the Eastern Conference in points (93.8) and shooting percentage (42.2) allowed.

The Heat shot 53.3 percent while holding their fifth consecutive opponent under 100 points in a 104-98 win at Brooklyn on Wednesday. They're going after their first four-game winning streak since March 28-April 2, 2014, before LeBron James' departure.

"We've won three in a row, but we have a big one Friday," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "The challenge now is not to get overwhelmed with just the result. It's how we're playing and just to bring an incredible disposition at home against a very good team."

Dwyane Wade played through a swollen mouth that gave him trouble speaking earlier in the day, finishing with 28 points. Hassan Whiteside scored 20 with 13 rebounds.

Wade made 13 of 17 shots after missing 13 of 16 in his previous game at Atlanta. Whiteside had been averaging just 7.8 points over his prior four.

"Last game I got so many great shots and couldn't knock them down," Wade said. "I told my teammates if I get those same shots versus Brooklyn, they're going in."

Now it's Chris Bosh's turn to regroup after he matched a season low with seven points while missing six of his seven shots. Bosh, who spent his first seven seasons with Toronto, has totaled 44 points and 19 rebounds in his last two meetings.

The All-Star has helped the Heat win 12 in a row in the series when he's played.

[VengefulAngel]

I expect a really close game, I just hope we can come out on top. The east is so close this season you have to win these games to get a high seeding.

[Smoke117]

Heat going for 4 in a row. :cheers:

[Legends66NBA7]

I expect a really close game, I just hope we can come out on top.

Don't expect a close one. Miami wins comfortably.

[VengefulAngel]

Don't expect a close one. Miami wins comfortably.

Why not?

[Legends66NBA7]

Why not?

Raptors are missing 2 starters, are on a back to back, just went to oovertime and lost last night with the majority of the starters playing heavy minutes, and they have historically sucked in Miami since 2008.

It's a terrible combination and I don't see it close. It wasn't close last time either.

[GrapeApe]

It would be nice if the Heat can put together a complete game. It seems like there's always at least one core player who struggles, even when the team plays well as a whole. We've yet to see them have a game where they're really clicking on all cylinders.

[BasedTom]

http://i.imgur.com/lUxK3xw.gif
that opening posession....

[BasedTom]

Scola on pace to break Wilt's record

[Legends66NBA7]

Keep feeding Scola...

[Legends66NBA7]

Winslow going to wreck DeMar again ?

[VengefulAngel]

Scola on pace to break Wilt's record

He'll cool down.

Dragic playing well.

[Smoke117]

It'd be nice to see Wade off the ball slashing more. That would really mix up the offense if Dragic can find a consistency and comfort level.

[VengefulAngel]

It'd be nice to see Wade off the ball slashing more. That would really mix up the offense if Dragic can find a consistency and comfort level.

He's making a lot less cut's this season then in year's past, not sure why.

[Legends66NBA7]

Lowry with idotic awareness.

[BasedTom]

It'd be nice to see Wade off the ball slashing more. That would really mix up the offense if Dragic can find a consistency and comfort level.
It'll be nice not seeing him turn it over

seriously what a weird outing so far

[Smoke117]

He's making a lot less cut's this season then in year's past, not sure why.

...he's always handling the ball. As Dragic has been underwhelming Wade has pretty much always had the ball in his hands when he's on the court so far this season.

[Legends66NBA7]

These misses.... going to be the death of them again.

[f0und]

He's making a lot less cut's this season then in year's past, not sure why.

back then, lebron ran the offense so wade kinda had no choice but to find other ways to be effective. now that its "his team" again i guess he or spo chooses to put the ball back in his hands to create for himself. i think its a mistake because it underutilizes dragic's effectiveness and playmaking abilities. wade can be effective on or off ball. dragic, like lebron, can only play with the ball. asked to play any other way and they get kinda lost.

[BasedTom]

deng had 2 awesome misses :(

[Legends66NBA7]

Wouldn't mind James Johnson guarding Bosh, but he's done such a good job on Wade too.

[BasedTom]

disappointing quarter tbh. at the risk of sounding like a famous fat rapper, "another one"

really wish we had TJ healthy

[DoctorP]

turnovers are offsetting 56% shooting for Miami

[Legends66NBA7]

Scola and DeMar combining for 22 of the 27 1st quarter points.

[Legends66NBA7]

Ross's drives in a half court set.

Complete fail.

[BasedTom]

very frustrating

[BasedTom]

just jacking up longrange shots :mad:

[SugarHill]

bosh way too quick for raps

[VengefulAngel]

Bosh needs to be more involved, he's looked good but not getting enough touches.

[Legends66NBA7]

Nogueira really should play this game. Casey needs to stop with ego and play the young guns.

Same goes with Powell.

[Legends66NBA7]

Ross looking sharp, nice.

[BasedTom]

ross decides to have a good game :(

I swear it feels like every team has experiences like that when they play here

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar is late on his closeouts. Got to play both ways, man.

[BasedTom]

wade's shooting this season

http://i.imgur.com/PI1yVAG.gif

yeah i know his overall efficiency is down, but I expect it to improve

[Legends66NBA7]

Ugh, another offensive drought. Wonder where this will go.

[f0und]

lol dude crossed his own feet and fell. how embarassing. unfortunately, he got rewarded.

[Smoke117]

wade's shooting this season

http://i.imgur.com/PI1yVAG.gif

yeah i know his overall efficiency is down, but I expect it to improve

It's going to be down no matter what...he's just not getting to the line. Part of his efficiency was that he was able to get to the ft line so much. He's only averaging 2.6fta's to 16.6 shot attempts for december...

[BasedTom]

It's going to be down no matter what...he's just not getting to the line. Part of his efficiency was that he was able to get to the ft line so much. He's only averaging 2.6fta's for december...
true, that sucks

but he's making up for it by being lethal from midrange

so much for "the shooting guard who can't shoot" reputation

[WadeStan]

Wade's passes :cheers:

[BasedTom]

http://i.imgur.com/alffdKK.gif

[Smoke117]

Yeah but when you rely on jump shooting you get those 3/16 nights. He needs to attack the basket more in general. Frankly our team is just bad offensively...we can't hit 3pters or get to the ft line with any consistency game to game. This is why the team always has to grind out wins. I hope we can get some offensive flow eventually...but it's hard to see it with the personnel we have.

[BasedTom]

get back on ddddddddddd :cry:

[SugarHill]

Ross doing a good impression of a decent player

[WayOfWade]

I'm only Box score watching, but so far looks like a pretty good game from both sides. Wade with that 13/5/3 statline, but 4 turnovers sadly

[VengefulAngel]

Ross doing a good impression of a decent player
\:roll: :roll: :roll:

[VengefulAngel]

I'm only Box score watching, but so far looks like a pretty good game from both sides. Wade with that 13/5/3 statline, but 4 turnovers sadly

Boxscore don't lie. Scola and Dragic beasting early, Wade and Ross later.

[BasedTom]

gerald green back to preseason form

wtf is with wade's ball handling

[Smoke117]

Green. :applause: Hot from three tonight.

I think the team can get the lead to a comfortable level the 2nd half...Ross can't keep this up and Raps are bound to fade playing back to back and away.

[Legends66NBA7]

Don't know how this team is down 5. Playing like crap on both ends.

Guess it's free throws and turnovers.

[SugarHill]

ross plus coupons to popeyes for gerald green

who says no?

[BasedTom]

ross plus coupons to popeyes for gerald green

who says no?
i don't think they accept coupons at popeyes

i've never heard of them

[WayOfWade]

Don't know how this team is down 5. Playing like crap on both ends.

Guess it's free throws and turnovers.
Anytime Wade has 6 turnovers at halftime, that's a good thing for the opposing team

[SugarHill]

i don't think they accept coupons at popeyes

i've never heard of them
why you dissecting my hypothetical scenario fam

[Legends66NBA7]

i don't think they accept coupons at popeyes

i've never heard of them

They have it in Toronto. Infact, if you play Timeplay before you're feature movie, you can sometimes get Popeye coupons.

[BasedTom]

why you dissecting my hypothetical scenario fam
I've never been to popeyes

I was hoping you would know

[Smoke117]

Wade is shooting 52% for the month though...which is pretty amazing if you think about the shots he takes out there. He doesn't get a lot of gimme points.

[BasedTom]

<3 dragic

based deng <3

[Legends66NBA7]

Raptors quit already ?

Sure looks like their settling for shots and playing like they don't care anymore.

[BasedTom]

http://heatnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Goran-Dragic.jpg
mace in ***** in time

[FKAri]

mace in ***** in time

See what did I tell you. ANOTHER great game by Dragic. Waaaaayyyy better than Bledsoe. GOAT. Wade finally has his batman again. :oldlol:

[Legends66NBA7]

Gotto give the man credit, Casey has been great in play calling after timeouts.

[BasedTom]

only up 2 :(

[BasedTom]

deng has been so unlucky tonight :(

[FKAri]

If you're gonna hide Winslow on D...why is he even in the game?

[Legends66NBA7]

Scola vs Wade fight ?

[BasedTom]

If you're gonna hide Winslow on D...why is he even in the game?
the sporon works in mysterious ways

2-17 run shhh it's all part of the process

[FKAri]

holy shit :lol

[Legends66NBA7]

Raptors have to space the floor. Too much 1 on 1.

[BasedTom]

this offense

http://i.imgur.com/47bqIu9.gif

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar carried the offense in that quarter. 12 points and an assist.

[aquaadverse]

If you're gonna hide Winslow on D...why is he even in the game?

Impact versus 3 fouls with no subs ? You'd do what, exactly ?

[SugarHill]

battle of the two super athletic jump shooters

[FKAri]

Impressive pass out of a trap doe. Good find by Bosh right after. Green's a dumbass

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar and Kyle have to the rest of the game. So does Bismack.

[DoctorP]

Heat backcourt killing it statistically tonight. Gotta watch those TOs...

[Legends66NBA7]

Whiteside is easily the best player for the Heat these days. He changes the game for the other team when he's out there.

[SugarHill]

gerald green looking like the goat roleplayer

[Twiens]

James Johnson is ****in awesome! So happy he gets pt now, would've been a huge poster if that was anyone but Hassan.

[Legends66NBA7]

Raps have to keep slashing.

[Human Error]

Why is Beno Udrih still playing? Stupid rotation by Spoelstra.

[WadeStan]

Why is Beno Udrih still playing? Stupid rotation by Spoelstra.

Indeed.

[f0und]

Why is Beno Udrih still playing? Stupid rotation by Spoelstra.

yeah, shoulda kept green in instead. he's been hot all night. spo is a fkin moron

[ArbitraryWater]

**** yea, Toronto! These dudes making me as much as I ever had on a single bet... and more is looking to be coming :wtf: :bowdown:

Raps have the 2 best players on the court

Cant say I was surprised when they said Heat haven't won 4 straight since Bron left

[Legends66NBA7]

Spo should have put Winslow on DeRozan regardless of his foul trouble, honestly.

[Kungfro]

Lowry :bowdown:

[SugarHill]

wow lousy

[f0und]

welp thats game

[Legends66NBA7]

Wade with a IDGAF shot. Bismack relentless on the glass.

[BasedTom]

very upsetting how we couldn't take advantage of all that we had going

[WadeStan]

#nowhitesideinthe4thyetagain

[FKAri]

Whiteside is easily the best player for the Heat these days. He changes the game for the other team when he's out there.

He's easily not. He can't even be on the court under the 2 min mark.

[BasedTom]

sad to see the streak ending :cry:

[DoctorP]

this game is slipping away for the Heats

[BasedTom]

this game is slipping away for the Heats
your stream is behind bro

by like a quarter

[avonbarksdale]

demar best player on the raps been saying this for a while

[ArbitraryWater]

your stream is behind bro

by like a quarter

thats what I was thinking.. slipping? game is over bruh

[Smoke117]

Giving up 108 points and 50%+ at home to a team on a back to back...pathetic. I'd like to say I'm surprised, but consistency is pretty much a foreign concept to this heat team.

[BasedTom]

Good game Raptors fans

good luck for the season, you guys are gr8

[DoctorP]

14 point loss? Cmon, guys.

[Legends66NBA7]

Such an unexpected win. I guess the Raptors are just a relentless team.

[DoctorP]

Such an unexpected win. I guess the Raptors are just a relentless team.

They play good D and hit their shots. Simple, really. Ball-hawking all night.

[BasedTom]

Giving up 108 points and 50%+ at home to a team on a back to back...pathetic. I'd like to say I'm surprised, but consistency is pretty much a foreign concept to this heat team.
embrace it

makes the season campaign/eventual championship that much more compelling

[Kungfro]

Wade with a IDGAF shot. Bismack relentless on the glass.

Averaging 15 rebounds over the last 3 games. I don't know why Charlotte let him walk, especially since they basically replaced him with Hansbrough.

[Legends66NBA7]

demar best player on the raps been saying this for a while

DeMar is still the 2nd best, but he is on pace for his best season yet. Kyle just does more for the team and has been for 3-4 years now when he's not hurt.

[BasedTom]

DeMar is still the 2nd best, but he is on pace for his best season yet. Kyle just does more for the team and has been for 3-4 years now when he's not hurt.
damn he's been a raptor that long already?

time's flying by so fast :biggums:

[VengefulAngel]

Turned out both me and Legend were wrong. Raps looked real solid tonight.

[Legends66NBA7]

damn he's been a raptor that long already?

time's flying by so fast :biggums:

I know right ? Crazy.

He was the fastest Raptor to 500 3's last night.

[Smoke117]

embrace it

makes the season campaign/eventual championship that much more compelling

Being a Heat fan right now is just infuriating.

[VengefulAngel]

Being a Heat fan right now is just infuriating.

I'm blaming Spo, as I always do.

[BasedTom]

Being a Heat fan right now is just infuriating.
don't forget, spo will never leave us
spo is love, spo is life

:dancin

oh well, now onto the inferior other 28 teams in the league

[DoctorP]

Relax. The East has so much parity now, if the Heat are going to give up the rock they are going to lose. I like the effort but they have to try to clean up the passing.

[BasedTom]

all this proves is that TJ is a future superstar!

we win this game and like 5 others if he doesn't miss a single night and can see more minutes on the floor

[GrapeApe]

I believe this is the 4th time the Heat have lost at home playing a team on the second night of a back to back. In each and every one of those games they've been outworked and played with less energy than the opponent. Completly unacceptable.

[DoctorP]

The Heat only had 13 TOs. It seemed like they had more... 13 turnovers is not insurmountable. There has to be some more contributing factors to this loss.

[DoctorP]

yet, 21 points off turnovers... that is high.

[Legends66NBA7]

Toronto 9 road wins on the season, 2nd only to Golden State's 14.

The lineup changed worked well. James Johnson needs to be engaged like he was last night and Ross and Scola have to make shots. Patterson is the one guy who hasn't broken out of his slump.