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2016 NBA FUTURES – SERIES PICKS
Looking for Raptors vs. Heat free series predictions & playoff picks? You’ve come to the right place if you’re searching for NBA Futures. Both teams needed seven games to eliminate their first round opponents and now they will meet in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Cappers Picks covers all 2016 NBA Playoff series – so check back as we’ll be adding more.
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NBA Betting – Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat Second Round Series Preview and Picks
Even though these were the second and third seeded teams in the Eastern Conference they needed all seven games to advance to the next round. Even though the Heat romped in game seven it was still a very challenging series and the Raptors nearly choked away their lead going down the stretch.
Toronto got a bit of a monkey off its backs with the first round win. The question is whether they are ready to plow ahead.
The Raptors have the home court advantage but in terms of experience they are definitely behind Miami led by Dwayne Wade. For me the Raptors are the more talented team overall but the matchups are pretty even in this one. It will all come down to execution in the most critical moments.
The winner likely gets to face Cleveland.
Let’s break it down.
NBA Championship Lines – 2016 NBA Title Odds from 5Dimes
- Raptors: 25:1 / Eastern Conference Odds: 5:1
- Heat: 60:1 / Eastern Conference Odds: 7:1
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat Series Prices
- Toronto Raptors: -165
- Miami Heat: +145
Raptors vs. Heat Second Round Schedule
- GAME 1 – Heat @ Raptors, Tuesday May 3, 8:00PM, TNT
- GAME 2 – Heat @ Raptors, Thursday May 5, 8:00PM, ESPN
- GAME 3 – Raptors @ Heat, Saturday May 7, 5:00PM, ESPN
- GAME 4 – Raptors @ Heat, Monday May 9, 8:00PM, TNT
- GAME 5 – Heat @ Raptors, Wednesday May 11, TBD, TNT ***
- GAME 6 – Raptors @ Heat, Friday May 13, TBD, ESPN ***
- GAME 7 – Heat @ Raptors, Sunday May 15, TBD *** *** If necessary
Raptors vs. Heat Free Series Prediction: Guards
Toronto has two All-Star guards but the story for most of the season was how Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were underperforming. DeRozan came up big in the game seven closeout but Lowry still is not as sharp as he was during the regular season.
Off the bench the Raptors get a huge lift from Corey Joseph. He is the only Raptor with championship experience (San Antonio) and he plays like it. Always cool and patient under pressure. He just makes winning plays.
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Miami is very solid in the backcourt too with Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic. Wade is a known commodity. He is not as athletic as he used to be but can still get it done. Dragic is not nearly as well known but is a very good scoring point guard. He led the team with 25 points in game 7.
The Miami reserve guards do not off all that much. Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson are unproven rookies and it their play could be a determining factor in the outcome of the series.
Verdict: I know the Raptors All-Star duo has been inconsistent in the playoffs but I still like overall and love the role that Joseph is playing. It would not surprise me if the Raptors are able to ultimately wear out Wade a little and work that advantage. This is a not a total mismatch but the Raptors get the win.
Raptors vs. Heat Free Series Predictions: Forwards & Center
Toronto has some really good depth up front. They made a switch to put Patrick Patterson into the lineup against Indiana and I expect that to continue this series. He gives them better defense and shooting. Jonas Valanciunas is a rare true center and when he is right he can be an offensive force. DeMare Carroll sets the defense with his intensity.
Speaking of that depth the Raptors have been getting huge contributions from Bismack Byombo and rookie Norman Powell. Byombo is a beast on the boards and Powell is emerging as a folk hero for Toronto. He brings great energy and intensity and has made some huge plays to help them advance.
Miami has one of the more underrated centres in the league in double-double machine Hassan Whiteside. He is a legit 7 footer who can own the boards and block shots with an emerging offensive game. Paired with him are Joe Johnson and Luol Deng. Both are past their prime but are crafty scorers who can exploit certain matchups.
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Off the bench Miami turns to Gerald Green for outside shooting, rookie Justise Winslow for defense and Josh McRoberts for a little bit of everything. Green may prove to be important because Miami does not have a lot of shooting. The bench group is good but nothing special.
Verdict: I really like Whiteside but I don’t think he is going to be able to dominate what Toronto has in the middle. At the other forward spots I like Toronto a lot better. Neither team has a dominant player up front but I think the Heat’s guys are kind of done. They are not going to be able to outperform for more than short stretches and the Toronto group is a lot more versatile. Another close Toronto win.
Raptors vs Heat Free Series Predictions:
For the third year in a row the Raptors have set a franchise record for wins. This year they got a monkey off their back by also winning their first round series. The question is are they content or hungry for more.
Miami is a good team but I am not sure they are much more. They can play good defense and they have a lot of guys with strong track records but the two guys in their prime, Whiteside and Dragic, are not usuall featured. They don’t scare you if you have talent and a good game plan.
Both teams are coming off long series so the first couple of games might be a little sloppy. In this series the home court could really be an advantage for Toronto. Getting up a couple of games is exactly what they need to do before closing this one out in five or six games. Most of the games will be close but Toronto has more ways to beat you than Miami and have proven they are willing to fight.
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