The Toronto Raptors (32-27) will try to prevent a season high four game losing streak tonight when they visit the Miami Heat (6-22). The Raptors can’t seem to find a way to win without all-star Chris Bosh in their line up. The Raptors are 2-5 this season with their franchise player.

The Heat are in a rebuilding mode this season. They have the distinct honour of having the worst record in the NBA and there have been rumours of shutting down Dwayne Wade for the remainder of the season.

Starting 5:
Jose Calderon/Jason Williams
Anthony Parker/Dwayne Wade
Jamario Moon/Shawn Marion
Andrea Bargnani/Udonis Haslem
Rasho Nesterovic/Mark Blount

Key Match-ups:
Dwayne Wade loves to play against the Raptors. In eleven career games Wade averages 25.0 ppg, 5.8 apg, and 4.9 rpg. Even though he’s banged up and doesnt have the support cast that won him an NBA Title only two seasons ago, Wade has the potencial to go off. Anthony Parker will attempt to make life difficult for the all-star, but Wade should continue his pace against the Raptors.

Game Notes:
Raptors point guard TJ Ford scored 20 points against the Magic, but also had a season high 7 turnovers; Chris Bosh is a question mark for tonights game, but he’ll most likely return Friday against the Wizards; The Raptors outrebounded the Magic 47-41 including 12-2 on the offensive end; the Raptors are 14-15 on the road this season.

Heat forward Shawn Marion averages 15.9 ppg and 10.6 rpg in his career against the Raptors; the Heat blew a 23 point lead against the Kings on Sunday; as of right now the Heat have the best shot at landing the #1 pick in the NBA lottery. Projected to go #1 is Michael Beasly, a 6″9 freshman out of Kansas State who draws comparisons to Carmello Anthony; the Heat are 6-22 at home.

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