National Basketball Association

Heat (2-2) at Raptors (3-1): Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Heat are off to a decent start, though their wins were against mediocre squads. Can they give the Raptors problems?

The Miami Heat return to Toronto for the first time since being dispatched in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Their lineup has undergone a significant revamp, with the departure of career Heat man Dwyane Wade the most painful. Close behind in impact was a nasty divorce between the team and Chris Bosh.

With the breakup of the Big 3, Miami must learn how to build a team like everyone else, i.e., through wise drafting and patient player development. At the moment, they are in a holding pattern, as evidenced by roster spots for ex-Raptor James Johnson and career bencher Luke Babbitt.

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May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks to play a ball as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) tries to defend during the fourth quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors are a young team (average age: 25.0), which might imply they are counting on a bunch of kids to come together. In fact, the roster is stable, particularly compared to teams like the Heat. This is the time of year to beat up on squads still learning each others’ names.

Raptors 109 – Heat 101