Kel’el Ware starts, records another double-double

Kuzma’s shot 50 percent or better from the field in four of his last five appearances, solid efficiency for a player who hasn’t been known for that in the past. However, the overall stat line probably wasn’t enough to convince managers in 12-team leagues to consider adding Kuzma. The Bucks open a four-game Week 3 on Monday against the Timberwolves.

Turner had his hands full with Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who combined for 52 points and 16 rebounds. Milwaukee’s veteran center recorded a complete stat line, but the value was a bit limited beyond the rebounds and blocks. Kel’el Ware (19/10/3/1/2 with three-pointers) finished with a better stat line, but he played 12 of his 24 minutes in the fourth quarter after the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Ware has recorded a double-double in each of Milwaukee’s last two games, providing solid value off the bench. He played 19 minutes against the Pacers, reminding us that the third-year center doesn’t need heavy minutes to deliver solid fantasy value. Ware’s issue is inconsistency. Hopefully, he can build on the last two games, which would raise his fantasy ceiling.

Kuzma has scored 14 or more points in three straight outings, with Monday’s total marking a new high through Milwaukee’s first four games. Against the Pacers, he shot efficiently from the field and added solid rebounding and assisting numbers. His inefficiency and inconsistent play make Kuzma hard to trust in 12-team leagues, but he’s worth keeping in deeper points leagues.

After totaling 19 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in Milwaukee’s first two games, Kuzma recorded a double-double on Saturday. While there weren’t any defensive stats to speak of, the percentages were good, and those rostering Kuzma will take the points and rebounds. The Bucks play three games during Week 2, starting with the rival Pacers on Monday night.

The past two days reminded everyone why Ware is such a frustrating player to roster in fantasy basketball. After a subpar showing in the Bucks’ loss to the Bulls on Friday, the 7-footer rebounded and produced his best effort of the season’s first week. Ware recorded a complete stat line against the 76ers, including his first double-double of the season. Meanwhile, starting center Myles Turner went scoreless, contributing just five rebounds, one assist and one block in 20 minutes. As a result, the team benched him during the fourth quarter, with Ware picking up those minutes.

Despite Myles Turner not playing, Ware still came off the bench on Wednesday while Jericho Sims (three points, eight rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot) started. As he showed last season, Ware doesn’t need to start to provide quality fantasy value. However, it’s fair to wonder whether his playing time will increase after averaging 22.2 minutes per game in his first two NBA seasons.

Ware came off the bench in his unofficial Bucks debut, but that didn’t prevent the 7-footer from showing why he still has a top-100 ADP. He was highly active on both ends of the floor, recording a double-double and shooting 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. Given starting center Myles Turner’s (seven points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block, and one three-pointer) rebounding struggles last season, Ware will have consistent fantasy value, even if he doesn’t start.

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.