The Toronto Raptors faced off against the Miami Heat and fell short in a 120-111 overtime loss, highlighting the need for a stronger start. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with a strong second-half performance, scoring 23 of his 29 points after halftime, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 23 points of his own. Despite winning three quarters, the Raptors' slow first-quarter start, marked by seven turnovers, proved costly. Coach Darko Rajakovic noted the importance of Jakob Poeltl's presence, whose absence was felt on both ends of the court as the Raptors struggled to contain Miami's Bam Adebayo, who scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

The Toronto Raptors faced a tough loss against the Miami Heat, ultimately falling 120-111 in overtime despite a strong second-half showing. RJ Barrett was a standout, scoring 23 of his 29 points after halftime. The Raptors struggled out of the gate, trailing by 14 points at one stage and unable to recover despite winning the second, third, and fourth quarters. Immanuel Quickley also contributed significantly with 23 points, showing resilience alongside Barrett, particularly in the critical moments of the game.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized that the team's slow start heavily impacted the final result, with seven turnovers in the first quarter setting the tone for a poor defensive performance. The absence of Jakob Poeltl was felt acutely, as his influence on the floor is seen as pivotal for the Raptors. Without Poeltl, the Raptors' defense struggled against Bam Adebayo, who scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Heat. The Raptors’ three-quarter resurgence was commendable, but their failure to convert in overtime proved detrimental to their chances of victory.

Tyler Herro spearheaded the Miami Heat with 28 points, helping them secure a hard-fought 120-111 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors. This win marked the end of a four-game slump for Miami, with Bam Adebayo also contributing significantly with a double-double (19 points, 12 rebounds). The Raptors saw RJ Barrett shine in the second half, where he scored 23 of his 29 points, but ultimately fell short for their 39th loss of the season.

In a closely contested match, Andrew Wiggins tied the game late in the fourth, pushing it into overtime, where the Heat dominated early with a 12-2 run. Both teams struggled with injuries; Scottie Barnes limped off momentarily but returned, and Jakob Poeltl sat out due to a hip injury. As the Raptors grapple with their season, Barrett notched a career milestone, surpassing 7,000 points.

Tyler Herro has emerged as a bright spot for the Miami Heat during a tumultuous season, achieving career-highs across multiple metrics and earning his first All-Star selection. His recent performance showcased his scoring ability, highlighted by a win in the Three-Point Contest despite challenges in his outside shooting. Simultaneously, Bam Adebayo has experienced a resurgence by transitioning to power forward, allowing Kel’el Ware to step up at center. This change has led to improved offensive and defensive statistics for Adebayo.

In a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, Herro delivered an impressive 40-point performance. However, the Heat ultimately fell short, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Kel’el Ware also stood out with strong contributions as the active center, while Kyle Anderson had his best game of the season. Despite struggles, Alec Burks continues to add veteran leadership and scoring punch.

NBA DFS enthusiasts, prepare for a thrilling five-game slate before the All-Star break. Key players to monitor include Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, and John Collins, all of whom are dealing with injuries or rest days. High-priced players such as James Harden and Domantas Sabonis are top picks for cash games, while Trey Murphy III and Bam Adebayo present enticing value. Keep an eye on injury updates as they can dramatically shift player value heading into lineup lock.

My top recommendations include Harden, who recently racked up 52 fantasy points against Utah, and Sabonis, who benefits from Zion Williamson's absence. For tournament pivots, consider Bam Adebayo and Naz Reid, especially if Rudy Gobert sits out. Value options like Max Christie and Kris Dunn are also worth a look, given their increased roles and production. Ensure to check the latest injury reports and be ready to adjust your lineups accordingly.