The Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors meet tonight in Miami with both teams shorthanded and the stakes clear. The final injury report is set, the betting line is posted, and the history between these two teams adds spice. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. at Kaseya Center, where the Heat are currently favored by 5.5 points.

This is the second game of a four-game season series. The Raptors took the first meeting here on December 15, 106-96. Miami owns the long-view edge, but Toronto has recent memories of winning on this floor. That tension should make for a tight, focused game.

Final injury report: Raptors vs Heat

The big headline is the names not playing.

• Heat: Tyler Herro (toe) out, Pelle Larsson (ankle) out, Nikola Jovic (elbow) out.
• Raptors: RJ Barrett (right knee sprain) out, Jakob Poeltl (low back strain) out.

As Athlon Sports put it: “Tyler Herro (toe) again out for Heat on Tuesday vs Raptors. Remaining out are Pelle Larsson (ankle), Nikola Jovic (elbow).”

For Toronto, the absence of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl takes a starter off the wing and a key presence in the middle off the board. For Miami, Herro is a major piece who spaces the floor, and the Heat will again need other guards and wings to carry more touches. With Jovic and Larsson out too, depth pieces are trimmed. Both coaches will have to adjust rotations.

"If Herro sits, who stretches the floor for Miami tonight?"

How these absences could shape the game

Expect a simple plan from both sides. With players out, the game often slows a bit. Teams lean on defense, ball security, and smart shot selection. Miami will try to protect home court by controlling pace and getting clean looks early in the clock. Toronto, down two core pieces, will look for quick energy from role players and a team-first approach to scoring.

Without Barrett, Toronto’s wing rotation gets thinner. That can change how the Raptors guard the perimeter and how they attack in transition. Without Poeltl, they may need help on the glass by committee. Boxing out and second-chance points become swing factors.

On the Heat side, Herro’s scoring and spacing are missing again. That means others must be ready to shoot and make the extra pass. Miami often thrives at home by defending without fouling and winning the effort plays. With multiple players out, keeping turnovers low and getting to the free-throw line can help steady the offense.

"Raptors stole one here last time — can Miami answer back?"

Odds, tip time, and the Heat-Raptors history

The line sits at Heat -5.5 ahead of the 7:30 p.m. tip at Kaseya Center. That reflects Miami’s strong track record at home in this matchup and the confidence the market often gives to the Heat on their own floor.

History backs that view. Miami holds a 65-44 edge all-time over Toronto in regular-season play. At home, the Heat are 39-18 against the Raptors. On the road, it’s dead even at 26-26. Those numbers say two things: Miami is tough to beat in Miami, and Toronto has been game in this rivalry overall.

But the most recent result cuts the other way. The Raptors won 106-96 here on December 15. That memory matters. It tells us Toronto will not be fazed by the building, and it gives the Raptors belief that they can execute their plan under the lights in Miami.

Schedule context: Toronto’s road swing

The Raptors are in the middle of a three-game road trip from December 21-26 after falling to Brooklyn on Sunday. That kind of stretch tests legs and focus. The plan is simple: split the road games at a minimum, steal a second win if you can. Toronto’s final road game of 2025 comes Friday against the Washington Wizards, so every minute of this trip counts for rhythm and confidence.

For Miami, defending home court during stretches like this is how you build a cushion in the standings. Take care of business, even when shorthanded, and force visitors to play from behind. The Heat have the line and the history on their side tonight.

"Barrett and Poeltl both out changes everything for Toronto."

What to watch at tip-off

• First-quarter focus: Who sets the tone? With key players out, early runs can decide the flow of the night.
• Rebounding battle: Toronto may need a group effort on the boards without Poeltl. Miami will try to punish the glass and limit second chances.
• Perimeter balance: Miami needs steady outside looks with Herro sidelined. Quick ball movement can free shooters and soft spots in the defense.
• Bench impact: This is where depth matters most. A surprise 8-10 point spark from a role player can swing the spread and the result.
• Late-game calm: In a tight game, simple plays win. Free throws, clean inbounds, and one extra pass can be the edge.

Big-picture stakes for a four-game series

Tonight is only Part 2 of a four-game season set. But series momentum is real. If Miami evens things up at home, the Heat restore order and put pressure on Toronto for the next meeting. If the Raptors grab another win in this building, they seize a clear edge and a mental boost for the back half of the series.

Injuries are part of the story, not the full story. The team that handles the moment best usually comes out on top. Expect smart coaching moves, shorter rotations, and a focus on defense first. That’s the recipe when your lineup is not full strength.

Tip is at 7:30 p.m. in Miami. The final injury report is set. The Heat are favored. The Raptors won here last time. Now we find out who makes the next statement in a matchup that always seems to bring a little extra.