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The Raptors travel to South Beach to play the Heat on Thursday night (7:30 p.m. ET, SN). Toronto will be looking to snap its three-game losing streak and bag its fourth win in eight games, while Miami is shooting for its fourth straight victory.

The Sporting News has you covered with the NBA odds for this Eastern Conference clash, as well as some best bets and top props from the BetMGM online sportsbook.

This will mark the third time these teams have faced off since Thanksgiving. The Heat beat Toronto 121-111 in an NBA Cup group stage game in Miami on Nov. 29, then the Raptors beat the Heat 119-116 two days later in Canada.

The injury-ravaged Raps absorbed another big blow on Monday when franchise player Scottie Barnes sustained an ankle injury against the Knicks. Barnes leads the team in assists and ranks second on the squad in scoring and rebounding, despite playing just 14 of 25 games on the season.

Still, this should be a good game. Here are the odds for this Thursday night tilt, as well as our final score prediction, best bets and top props.

Raptors vs. Heat odds, pick against spread
All odds and props are from BetMGM, an authorized gaming operator of the NBA.

ATS: Heat -4.5 (-110) | Raptors +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Heat -220 | Raptors +175
Over/under: O 228.5 (-110) | U 228.5 (-110)
Darko Rajaković’s squad has a 7-18 record, but an almost polar opposite 17-8 record against the spread. That 68-percent cover rate is the third-best in the NBA this season.

Raptors vs. Heat best bets and final score prediction
The Barnes injury couldn’t have been worse timing for the Raptors. Things were starting to look better for Toronto, with three wins in four games around the November-December calendar turn. Now, with Barnes back on the shelf in a tough road matchup with the Heat, Rajakovic’s team is in danger of losing a fourth consecutive game.

Miami, in stark contrast, could win its fourth in a row. Not just any Ws, either — we’re talking wins over the Lakers, Suns and Cavs! Tyler Herro has been smoldering hot, really benefiting from Erik Spoelstra moving Terry Rozier from the starting lineup to the bench.

Duncan Robinson has been shooting well, too, and Bam Adebayo continues to be a constant double-double threat. And Jimmy Butler — despite swirling trade rumors — has been as dependable as ever.

The Raptors simply don’t have enough firepower — or enough defense — to keep the Heat in check right now. Immanuel Quickley is still hurt, too, so Toronto’s two best playmakers are inactive. That puts too much offensive pressure on RJ Barrett, while Jakob Poeltl will likely struggle with Adebayo on the block. Lay the points and take the Heat at home.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Heat 122, Raptors 108 — The Heat win and easily cover, and the total goes just OVER the projected total of 228.5.

Raptors vs. Pacers top player prop bet
Bam Adebayo OVER 26.5 points + rebounds (-110)
Adebayo has been sizzling down low, putting up double-double after double-double. He’s averaging 24.5 points + rebounds per game over Miami’s past five contests, and we don’t expect him to lose much steam on Thursday against the Raptors. Bam has averaged 13 points and 15 boards per game against Toronto this season, and we like him to keep the carnage up against Jakob Poeltl and company.

After a busy month of group play, the NBA Cup knockout round bracket has been finalized.

Eight teams have advanced to the quarterfinal round of the league’s second annual in-season tournament. The Bucks, Hawks and Knicks won their groups in the Eastern Conference, while the Rockets, Thunder and Warriors finished atop the group standings in the Western Conference. The Magic and Mavericks were able to stay alive by earning wild card berths.

WATCH:2024 NBA Cup knockout round games on Sling

Starting with the quarterfinals, teams will compete in single-elimination games until a champion is crowned. Which squad will travel to Las Vegas and claim the trophy?

Here is everything you need to know about the knockout rounds of the 2024 NBA Cup, including TV and streaming options for each game.

NBA Cup bracket 2024
NBA Cup bracket 2024
NBA Cup schedule for 2024 tournament knockout round games
Dates: Tuesday, Dec. 10-Tuesday, Dec. 17
NBA Cup quarterfinal games will be played on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 11. Semifinal games will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the championship game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 (Quarterfinals)
Game
Bucks 114, Magic 109
Thunder 118, Mavericks 104
Wednesday, Dec. 11 (Quarterfinals)
Game
Hawks 108, Knicks 100
Rockets 91, Warriors 90
Saturday, Dec. 14 (Semifinals at Las Vegas)
Game
Bucks 110, Hawks 102
Thunder 111, Rockets 96
Tuesday, Dec. 17 (Championship at Las Vegas)
Game Time (ET) TV/live stream
Thunder vs. Bucks 8:30 p.m. ABC, Sling
How to watch NBA Cup knockout round games: TV channels, live streams
TV channels: ABC, ESPN, TNT
Live streams: Sling
NBA Cup knockout round games will be spread across ABC, ESPN and TNT. Cord-cutters can stream games on Sling.

Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.

How to listen to NBA Cup knockout round games on the radio
Radio channels: SiriusXM channel 86
You can listen to NBA Cup knockout round games live on SiriusXM. Coverage will be available on SiriusXM NBA Radio (channel 86).

Get SiriusXM for free for your first month. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.

“Since starting the season 10-4, the Lakers have steadily crumbled, going 3-7 in their last 10 games,” Athlon Sports’ Sean Deveney wrote Wednesday.

“The issues with the team are many, but the fact that they’re again careening toward another season with win totals in the mid-40s, with a likely playoff spot and a first-round ouster to follow, has raised a new specter for the franchise.”

“The possibility that LeBron James will seek a trade and, with his 40th birthday just weeks away, will finish his career elsewhere.”

“To be clear, that’s a longshot. First, James has not indicated he wants out, which would be a prerequisite for any deal.”

“Second, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is an adherent to her father’s policy that you do not trade away superstars, even disgruntled ones.”

“And finally there is the current NBA collective-bargaining system, riddled with hard-caps that make major trades difficult.”

“James has long had an eye on playing for the Mavericks, and teaming with Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving is an enticing notion.”

“But the Mavericks will have trouble matching any major salaries should they seek to make a trade this winter, because their payroll is dominated by Doncic and Kyrie Irving. To trade for James, they’d have to gut their frontcourt depth.”

Deveney’s proposed trade would send LeBron and Bronny James to the Mavericks for PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Maxi Kleber, Naji Marshall, and a 2027 first-round pick.

Playing a substantial role in Year 22 while struggling to achieve team success can be taxing, explaining why James is stepping away from the franchise for personal reasons.

The four-time NBA champion and multi-dimensional offensive threat averages 23 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per contest with the Lakers this season.

James’ son, Bronny, is splitting time between the NBA and G League. The USC product aims to prove he can develop into a legitimate NBA player and hold his own in the big leagues.

The Lakers may be a dysfunctional organization, but it’s challenging to imagine Los Angeles shipping the James clan to Dallas anytime soon.

“The Golden State Warriors, much like the Los Angeles Lakers, are a team whose competitive days appear to be drawing near,” Hoops Habit’s Zach Ciavolella wrote Wednesday.

“A fair amount of depth and Steph Curry’s insistent stardom have kept the Warriors in the midst of yet another playoff run.”

“Unfortunately for the Warriors, the team’s ceiling appears capped by the lack of star power the team possesses beyond Curry.”

“Golden State was among the teams ESPN Insider Shams Charania hinted could pursue Jimmy Butler, so perhaps they have a plan in place, but should they not land Butler, a pivot will be needed by this offseason.”

“Golden State was among the teams ESPN Insider Shams Charania hinted could pursue Jimmy Butler, so perhaps they have a plan in place, but should they not land Butler, a pivot will be needed by this offseason.”

“Returning to the ideal star pairing of the early 2000s, the Warriors would now be built around a guard and a big and work an inside-out offensive approach, a rather large pivot from the free-flowing three-point barrage many are used to in Golden State.”

“Golden State would also be able to operate under the tax this offseason, assuming Andrew Wiggins makes up the bulk of the matching salary, has the contracts on the books, and has additional draft assets to make it worth Philadelphia’s while. Or, at least relative to trading away any potential Hall of Fame player.”

Joel Embiid’s 2024-25 campaign has been adventurous, to say the least. The seven-time All-Star has been involved in off-court drama and has only appeared in five contests due to left knee injury management.

As a result, it’s been difficult for the dominant high and low-post operator to find a rhythm in a 76ers uniform in Year 9.

Embiid averages 22 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season while shooting 40.7% from the field and 13% from beyond the arc.

While the Warriors won’t be able to trade for Embiid this season, the franchise could consider adding the dynamic center to its roster during the 2025 free-agency period.

Embiid would provide the organization with another superstar who could positively impact winning.

If cutting ties with a skilled wing in Wiggins, who’s revived his career with the Warriors, would help get a potential deal off the ground, expect Golden State to make it happen during the summer.

More NBA: Lakers predicted to part with heavily scrutinized $7.9 million rookie, ‘nepo baby’

After the game, Kerr ripped the officiating crew for a call that ultimately prevented his team from advancing in the NBA Cup. Here’s what happened and what Kerr said in response.

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Warriors-Rockets ending, explained
With under 1:20 remaining in regulation, the Warriors trailed 90-84. A 3-pointer from Fred VanVleet, a few stops and a layup from Alperen Sengun cut the deficit to one point with 27.2 seconds remaining.

There was a 3.2-second differential between the game clock and shot clock, and Houston elected to play it out rather than intentionally foul Golden State. Stephen Curry failed to connect a step-back 3-pointer with 12.5 seconds remaining and both teams were initially unable to wrangle the loose ball. Gary Payton II dove on the ball and attempted to pass rather than call a timeout, allowing Jalen Green to dive for a steal.

As Green dove on the ball, Kuminga was the second to make a play. Members of the Rockets desperately attempted to call a timeout, and once a whistle was blown, most thought it would be a Houston timeout or a jump ball. Instead, Kuminga was whistled for the contact made as he fell over Green.

Here’s the play in its entirety:

HOUSTON HAS THE LEAD AFTER THIS WILD SEQUENCE 😱 pic.twitter.com/vg6xPLZUBx

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 12, 2024
Play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes called the sequence “unbelievable,” and the reactions from Kerr and Warriors guard Buddy Hield speak volumes.

Steve Kerr and Buddy Hield react to foulNBA
After Green sank both free throws to give Houston a one-point lead, Golden State’s final attempt to win — a 3-pointer from second-year guard Brandin Podziemski — was blocked by Jabari Smith Jr., securing a Rockets win.

As expected, the final sequence was a topic of discussion postgame.

MORE: Mavericks learning same hard lesson as Warriors about Klay Thompson

Steve Kerr rips officials after controversial foul call
When speaking with reporters postgame, Kerr spent nearly two minutes ripping the officials’ decision to call a foul on Kuminga. After describing the foul as “unconscionable,” Kerr criticized the officials’ consistency throughout the game and their feel for the situation.

“[Our chance to win] was taken from us by a call that I don’t think an elementary school referee would have made because that guy would have had feel and said, ‘You know what, I’m not going to decide a game on a loose ball 80 feet from the basket.'”

“I don’t even understand what just happened”

The Guys reacted to Steve Kerr’s postgame comments after the late-game drama 👀 pic.twitter.com/cGBZTlTToT

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 12, 2024
With the loss Kerr and the Warriors will have another meeting with the Mavericks, who also lost in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. In addition to preparing for Dallas, Kerr may also need to prepare for a league memo coming his way.

The Heat are currently 12-10 and hold the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. There isn’t a real impetus to get a deal done, but Butler has a player option for next season, making him a potential free agent in the offseason.

Charania looped Butler’s name into the James trade talks regarding the Warriors. He then doubled down, connecting Butler to the Suns in a possible move. The second claim was too much for Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee, who Charania quoted in the posts. The agent responded to Charania’s posts and called out the ESPN analyst.

Here is what Lee said to Charania on X, formerly Twitter.

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

What did Jimmy Butler’s agent say to Shams Charania?
This is Charania’s first year at ESPN after former NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski left the company.

On Wednesday, Charania posted that the Suns “are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open to.” Charania also indicated that Miami is willing to listen to offers for Butler from Dallas, Houston and Golden State.

The Phoenix Suns are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open to as a destination while Miami listens to trade offers, sources tell ESPN, joining Dallas, Houston and Golden State. pic.twitter.com/QCXA2uEMXt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2024
This post was the one that pushed Lee over the edge. Lee quoted the post with three responses that have since gone viral.

“Alright listen,” Lee started. “I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bull— because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge.”

Lee references a pass that he gave to Charania the day before. Here is the post he is referencing:

The Heat are open to listening to offers for Jimmy Butler, league sources told ESPN, and the six-time All-Star is believed to prefer a win-now contender in any trade. https://t.co/ifbfJY7ZPw

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Lee continued to call out Charania, who had not deleted any of his tweets or walked back his report that the Heat were open to moving Butler.

I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg

— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
The last post may be the most intense. The best way to insult an analyst’s posts is to say they are using AI with their reporting.

Shams this is your opportunity to say my bad “I let chat GPT write my tweets and it went old school Peter Vescey..” (Shams Peter was a writer in the 90’s) be a trend setter.. invent the new I was hacked. Carry on all. Thank you. https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI

— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
Charania addressed Lee’s tweets on Dec. 12, saying, “I 1000 percent stand by my reporting.”

“It’s fully vetted and as a professional, that’s what I do, that’s what I get paid to do, that’s what I’m going to do — report truthfully and accurately. That’s what this is, period,” Charania continued.

MORE: Why the Warriors are a real threat to acquire Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler trade rumors
Shams initially said that Miami would be open to listening to offers for Butler. He added that the star would want to be traded to a team in win-now mode.

Interestingly, Charania singled out Phoenix, which is currently 12-11. The roster is solid, but the Suns have dealt with injuries to Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The other teams linked to Butler in Dallas (16-9), Houston (17-8) and Golden State (14-10) all have better records.

A six-time All-Star, Butler is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists through 17 games.