Kel’el Ware starts, records another double-double

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.

While Portis remains out for an 11th consecutive game, Kuzma played 21 minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over the Nets. Taurean Prince and Ousmane Dieng will have added importance within the Bucks’ rotation, and there may be more minutes available to Andre Jackson Jr. off 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.

Kuzma is back after a two-game absence, and his return is likely to push Taurean Prince to the bench. Prince should still play quality minutes, but he offers a lower ceiling in active fantasy leagues when used in a reserve role.

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.

Kuzma will be sidelined, which will open up a spot in the starting unit. Taurean Prince and Cormac Ryan should take on larger roles, with one of them sliding into the starting lineup.

Trent will miss a second straight game after injuring his hip during Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets. Kyle Kuzma started Friday’s loss to the Celtics and should remain in that role. While not the most dependable option in category leagues, the Bucks’ many injuries make Kuzma worth the risk.

Ware put on a show on both ends of the floor in Saturday’s 152-136 victory. The second-year center’s 17 rebounds were the most in a game for him since December 21, when he grabbed 19 in a loss to the Knicks. Also, Ware’s eight blocks are a new career-high. Add in the excellent field-goal percentage and the three-point production, and fantasy managers rostering Ware had to be thrilled with the value received.