Kel’el Ware records double-double in Bucks debut

After an underwhelming showing in Milwaukee’s preseason lid-lifter on Monday, Turner was more productive against the Thunder. A change to the Bucks’ lineup may have helped, as Kel’el Ware replaced Kyle Kuzma. Having a legitimate rebounder on the court helped free up Turner, who shot over 50 percent from the field and recorded three “stocks.” Milwaukee’s starting five isn’t finalized, but sharing the court with another big could help Turner rebound from his disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

After coming off the bench in Milwaukee’s preseason opener on Monday, Ware moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday. The former Heat center logged 25 minutes and recorded another double-double, producing more than Kyle Kuzma (DNP on Wednesday) did two nights earlier. Ware’s presence also appeared to unlock Myles Turner, who scored a team-high 19 points in 22 minutes. Keep an eye on head coach Taylor Jenkins’ lineups for the rest of the preseason; Ware and Turner starting together could improve both players’ fantasy values.

After two seasons in Miami, the 15th overall pick in the 2024 draft is reportedly headed to Milwaukee. While Ware did show flashes of the potential that made some confident of his fit alongside Bam Adebayo, the 7-footer’s production was far too inconsistent to protect him from being included in this trade. Ware appeared in 77 games last season, averaging 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers, shooting 53.0 percent from the field and 74.0 percent from the foul line. And he goes from one situation where there’s a veteran center in the starting lineup to another, as Myles Turner currently occupies that role in Milwaukee. While he did provide solid per-game fantasy value last season, Ware’s value for next season is unlikely to receive a significant boost.

Powell is back after sitting out Friday’s win over the Wizards. If he returns to the starting lineup, the Heat will likely open up a spot by moving Kel’el Ware to the bench.

To no one’s surprise, Antetokounmpo will not play in Sunday’s season finale. Turner is also out, which means more playing time and a likely start for Jericho Sims. Pete Nance is questionable, and his minutes are likely to increase if he can play.

Green, Prince and Dieng are the holdovers from the lineup that started Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons. With Ryan Rollins out, Ryan moves into the starting five, while Turner’s return bumps Jericho Sims to the bench.

The Heat will not have Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro or Norman Powell for Friday’s game, with the absences of the first two creating openings in the starting lineup. Jakučions and Ware will move into the starting lineup, with Fontecchio replacing Pelle Larsson.

Turner is off the injury report after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Pistons. His return likely pushes Jericho Sims to the bench one game after recording his first career triple-double.

Turner and Kuz sat out Tuesday’s matchup with Brooklyn, and they’ll both miss the second leg of Milwaukee’s back-to-back set. Jericho Sims and Pete Nance could see significant frontcourt minutes.

Turner will be unavailable, which opens up a starting spot down low. Either Jericho Sims or Pete Nance will fill the void, though both should take on extra minutes.