As the Miami Heat prepare to face off against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena, fans can anticipate a fiery contest. The Heat are coming into this game with a mixed bag of recent performances but have shown resilience and an ability to close out tight games.

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 25: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Miami Heat handles the ball during the game on December 25, 2023 at Kaseya Center Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last outing, Miami edged past the Brooklyn Nets in an overtime thriller, finishing with a one-point lead. Despite shooting only 38 percent from the field and 26 percent from beyond the arc, they managed to secure a win thanks to their tenacity on defense and clutch free-throw shooting (88 percent). Their defensive rating stood strong at 90.4 points per 100 possessions, slightly better than their offensive rating of 91.4.

Prior to that victory, Miami hosted Charlotte Hornets and showcased their scoring prowess with a commanding win by 17 points. The team's efficiency was on full display as they shot an impressive 49 percent from the field and an even more remarkable 44 percent from three-point range. Their offensive rating soared to 106 points per possession while maintaining a solid defensive performance with only 87 points allowed per possession.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Miami as they had narrowly defeated Orlando Magic by three points in another home game before facing Charlotte. Despite some struggles in ball security leading to turnovers, they managed to maintain an effective field goal percentage of nearly half while keeping their opponents just under that mark defensively.

The upcoming match against Toronto will test Miami's ability not only offensively but also how well they can sustain their defensive efforts away from home soil. With recent trends showing fluctuating shooting percentages but consistent free throw accuracy and defensive grittiness, fans should expect another close battle where every possession counts.

The Heat will need all hands on deck as they aim for another victory on foreign ground – it's sure not just about putting up numbers but also about making crucial stops when it matters most.

Catch this exciting matchup scheduled for January 18th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto; tip-off is set for half-past seven local time (Eastern Time Zone). Fans can tune into SportsNet internationally or BSSUN channel number six hundred fifty-three if watching from away territories.

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