Last Updated on December 11, 2024 10:54 pm by Keston Paul | Published: December 11, 2024

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Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

TOR +10.5 (+425), MIA -10.5 (-600)
Game Total 222.5

Key Storylines

Opportunities with Scottie Barnes out: Toronto’s main star will be out for several weeks after suffering an ankle sprain during Monday’s match against the New York Knicks, and even though he will be re-evaluated in one week, all sources expect the 23-year-old forward to miss extended time. While the reality is that RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley (who’s also out with an elbow injury) will pick up most of the usage Scottie leaves behind, there’s still enough opportunities within the Raptors’ rotation for other players to become useful fantasy players.

Unfortunately it hasn’t been the best time for Toronto to have great streamers, as most of the second unit players have been bad, inconsistent, or both. The biggest target is someone who is already picked up in most leagues with Ochai Agbaji being the natural replacement in the lineup for Barnes and also, being the most productive player of the Raptors. Kelly Olynyk should also be picked up if you’re in need of a big man, as he’s back from injury and should produce at a good enough level.

The rest? We’ll have to see if one between Jonathan Mogbo, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead and Chris Boucher can actually maintain a decent production and consistency to earn a fixed spot in the Canadian team rotation.

While we wait for Jimmy Buckets to get traded: The only relevant thing around the Heat right now is the talk about who’s going to acquire veteran star Jimmy Butler in a possible trade, as he’s been the hottest name in the trade market for a week now, with Dallas, Golden State, Houston and now Phoenix being the main candidates to try and lure him to their franchise.

In the meantime, don’t expect anything to change until it happens, as Miami is still a very limited team in terms of contributors outside of their starting five: Duncan Robinson, Kevin Love and Haywood Highsmith are the only players worth considering for a stream and expect to be disappointed as none of them fits the definition of consistency, at least fantasy-wise. If the Butler trade occurs soon enough, I’d expect Terry Rozier and Jaime Jaquez Jr. to be the main benefits of it, pending on whoever else the Heat is acquiring.

Stream of the Game

Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk are the safest options for production in this matchup.

Alternatives: Duncan Robinson (points, 3s), Kevin Love (points, rebounds), Davion Mitchell (points, assists, steals), Jonathan Mogbo (rebounds, stocks)

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Detroit Pistons @ Boston Celtics

Game Time: 7:30 pm ET

BetMGM Lines

DET +12.5 (+600), BOS -12.5 (-900)
Game Total 226.5

Key Storylines

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Pedro Oliveira

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