The Raptors are looking to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, while the Heat hope to stave off elimination when these teams take the court at the American Airlines Arena in Miami for Game 6 on Friday.
Toronto is looking to win its second consecutive road game of this series in order to make it to Round 3 for the first time in franchise history. Miami is hoping to avoid elimination on its home court and force a Game 7 back at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday.
The Heat took Game 1 of this series, but lost two straight contests before knotting things up at home in Game 4. The Raptors then took the pivotal Game 5, 99-91, at home on Wednesday to put themselves in position to clinch.
DeMar DeRozan put up a game-high 34 points in Game 5, while Kyle Lowry led Toronto in rebounds (10), assists (6) and steals (3) to help set the tone.
Dwyane Wade paced Miami with 30 points in the Game 5 loss, while Joe Johnson contributed eight boards.
The Raptors are looking to prolong their longest postseason in franchise history, but the Heat knows it isn't over yet.
"It's a seven-game series and these kind of series are very competitive," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, according to ESPN. "They're built to push you and stress you and put you in uncomfortable situations. And that's what this series is doing right now. It's a competitive series. Guys are embracing the competition. And we have a job to do tomorrow. We're just focused on [Game 6].
Like most teams this year, both clubs are entering Game 6 with some banged up players, but won't be making any excuses.
"Right now there's nobody healthy in this league, totally healthy," Toronto coach Dwane Casey told ESPN. "There's something that's hurting on somebody. Kyle Lowry looks like a boxer, got cuts on both eyelids. This is the time you play through it. This is what you work in the summer for. This is what you prepare your professional career for -- playoff time."
The winner of this series will meet the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Game Details & Live Stream
Matchup: Raptors at Heat Game 6
Venue: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Fla.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Radio: Toronto (1050 TSN); Miami (790 The Ticket)
Series: 3-2 Raptors.
Betting Odds: The latest betting odds can be found here.
Watch Online: This game can be live streamed for free here.
