The Toronto Raptors (40-40) are holding down the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, but will need to finish the season strong in order to hold off the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors take on a D-league caliber Miami Heat (14-66) Monday night at the ACC.
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The Toronto Raptors (34-33) will have all-star forward Chris Bosh back in the line up tonight when they host the worst team in the NBA, the Miami Heat (12-54).

Bosh has missed the last ten games with a knee injury and his team has struggled without him. The Raptors have gone 2-8 without their franchise and now find themselves only a half game up on Washington for the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Heat, on the other hand, will not have their franchise player in the line up tonight. Dwayne Wade was shut down for the remainder of the regular season because of a ailing left knee. The Heat will also be without forward Udonis Haslem because of an ankle injury. Haslem is considering going under the knife, which would put an end to his season.

Starting 5:
Jason Williams/Jose Calderon
Daequan Cook/Anthony Parker
Ricky Davis/Jamario Moon
Shawn Marion/Chris Bosh
Mark Blount/Rasho Nesterovic

Key Match-ups:
It’s hard to say how much playing time Bosh will get tonight. The last thing the Raptors want to do is rush him back too quickly and risk losing him down the stretch. If Bosh does play the depleted Heat roster will struggle to contain him. A combination of jump shots and drives to the basket will keep them guessing and fouling.

Shawn Marion is the only real threat on the Heat, but the best numbers in his career have been put up with a great point guard getting him the ball in high percentage scoring areas. If Jason Williams can penetrate the defence and get Marion some good looks, then this combo could create problems for the Raptors. Look for Jose Calderon to bounce back and have a strong game on both ends of the court against Williams.

Game Notes:
The Heat are 2-8 in their last 10 games; Earl Barron is averaging 18.5 ppg in his last 2; Mark Blount failed to score in double digits for the first time in 6 games Tuesday against the Bucks; point guard Marcus Banks has missed the last 5 games because of a hamstring injury; the Heat are an Eastern Confernce worse 6-26 on the road.

The Raptors are only 1 game up on Altantic Division rival Philadelphia 76ers; TJ Ford left Sundays game to a standing ovation from the Jazz faithful after arguing a call a recieving consecutive techical fouls. It was rather entertaining; no more game notes…I just want to see Bosh back in the line up.

Technorati Tags: Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, Jason Williams, Jose Calderon, Marcus Banks, Mark Blount, Miami Heat, Shawn Marion, TJ Ford, Udonis Haslem

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The Toronto Raptors (25-21) are headed south to take on the struggling Miami Heat (9-37). The last time these two teams met was April 3rd of last year when the Heat knocked off the Raptors 92-89. Coming off a loss to the Lakers, 121-101. A game in which both teams decided not to play defence. Kobe Bryant had another huge game against the Raptors, scoring 46 points. Andrea Bargnani continued his impressive play as of late, scoring a career high 28 points. Continue Reading

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