There's plenty at stake when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Miami is jockeying for a better play-in position while Toronto tries to hold on to the No. 6 seed and avoid the play-in completely.
This is a rematch from two days ago and my Heat vs. Raptors predictions expect Toronto to win again. Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash on April 9.
Heat vs Raptors prediction
Heat vs Raptors best bet: Raptors -3.5 (-110)
The Toronto Raptors clobbered the Miami Heat 121-95 on Tuesday. Toronto had a +12 rebounding margin and scored 70 points in the paint, while holding Miami to 36 FG%.
The Heat should shoot better but I don't trust their defense or ability to contest Toronto's length on the glass. They are 26th in the league in ppg allowed (126.3) over the last 15 games and have struggled away from home.
Meanwhile, the Raps are finally at full strength after dealing with key injuries all season. This should be closer than the last game, but Toronto will still win and cover.
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Heat vs Raptors same-game parlay
Despite coming off the bench, Jamal Shead has become Toronto's best passer. He has dropped 6+ dimes in eight of his last 10 contests and is averaging 8.3 assists per game over that span.
Raps center Jakob Poeltl is finally healthy and has been scoring at a high efficiency inside. He has cleared 10.5 points in six of his last seven games and dropped 17 points against Miami on Wednesday.
Heat vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -3.5
- Jamal Shead Over 5.5 assists
- Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Raptors Roll
Scottie Barnes is Toronto's best player and he should make the All-Defensive Team for the first time in his career. He had one steal against Miami on Wednesday but had swiped 2+ steals in nine of his previous 10 games.
Heat vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -3.5
- Jamal Shead Over 5.5 assists
- Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points
- Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 steals
Heat vs Raptors odds
- Spread: Miami +3.5 | Toronto -3.5
- Moneyline: Miami +140 | Toronto -165
- Over/Under: Over 237 | Under 237
Heat vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Heat are 2-7 SU and 3-6 ATS in their last nine games away from home. Find more NBA betting trends for Heat vs. Raptors.
How to watch Heat vs Raptors
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Thursday, April 9, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-SU, SN |
Heat vs Raptors latest injuries
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