Kel’el Ware used in reserve role vs. Chicago

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.

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.

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.

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.

Herro is dealing with a sore right foot, but the probable tag suggests that he will be available on Saturday. If he can’t play, Kasparas Jakučionis and Kel’el Ware are potential replacements in the starting lineup. Ware offers a higher streaming ceiling when allowed to start.

Ware was solid in Miami’s two games against the Cavaliers, totaling 27 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, one steal, one blocked shot and five three-pointers. Inconsistency has been an issue for the second-year center, and the recent returns of Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins limit Ware’s upside, even though they don’t share the same position. Ware can still be an asset during the fantasy playoff weeks, as evidenced by his two games in Cleveland, but most managers know to keep their expectations in check.

Adebayo is on track to return to action Thursday night after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets. With Tyler Herro and Norman Powell available, Kel’el Ware will likely be headed to the bench. Ware should still be rostered in 12-team leagues, but he isn’t as valuable in shallow formats when Miami’s three stars are available.

With Bam Adebayo (calf) sidelined for this game, Powell will return to the starting unit. Powell scored 20 points in 31 minutes off the bench on Saturday and should play a similar role in this game. Ware will shift over to be the primary center.