Kel'el

Ware

Initially questionable, Herro is officially available for Sunday’s game. His availability means that Kel’el Ware will be relegated to the bench for a second consecutive game.

Herro returned to the starting lineup Saturday in his second game back from a toe injury. Somewhere along the way, the 25-year-old point guard also picked up a rib contusion. Now Herro is questionable against the Thunder on Sunday. Kel’el Ware had just two points with Herro starting Saturday and would seem to benefit if Herro is out Sunday.

After coming off the bench in his first game back from a toe injury, Herro was back in the starting lineup on Saturday. He finished with a complete stat line, but the Heat were blown out and the other starters struggled. Where Herro is within the lineup doesn’t matter much, as he’ll provide solid fantasy value wherever. But it does affect Kel’el Ware, who tallied two points and three rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench. Ware can still offer reliable fantasy value, but he’s someone to watch with Herro back in the fold. The Heat visit Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Herro was supposed to start on Thursday against the Bulls, but the game was postponed due to condensation on the United Center floor. So, he’ll make his first start since returning from a toe injury on Saturday, with Kel’el Ware coming off the bench.

After coming off the bench in his first game back from a right great toe injury, Herro has returned to the starting lineup. As a result, Kel’el Ware will come off the bench. While his ceiling is slightly lower with the demotion, Ware should still be rostered in most leagues.

Herro was available on Sunday, but he didn’t play, and he hasn’t taken the court since December 9. Until he’s ready to return, Kel’el Ware should remain with the first unit. Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell should continue to see extended run.

Ware remains one of this season’s great fantasy wild cards — dominant one night, invisible the next. The 21-year-old center is still very much a work in progress, but he’s been a double-double machine this season, averaging 12.4 points and 10.6 boards through 36 games and grading out as a top-30 overall fantasy performer.

While Herro is available, he is not expected to see any action. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said the guard remains day-to-day and is unsure when Herro will be available. Kel’el Ware will continue to start until that changes.

Herro, who last played on December 9, has appeared in six games this season. After his first extended absence of the season, the Heat inserted the guard into the starting lineup immediately. If that were the approach for Sunday (if Herro plays), Kel’el Ware would be the player most likely headed to the bench based on head coach Erik Spoelstra’s approach in the past. However, by no means should fantasy managers consider dropping Ware if he’s moved into a reserve role.

While the Heat only grabbed six more rebounds than the Pistons, their starting frontcourt combined to corral 11 offensive rebounds. Adebayo and Kel’El Ware (5/13/0/2/2) were responsible for three offensive rebounds apiece, while Andrew Wiggins grabbed five. Bam’s double-double was his second in as many games after missing two games with a back injury. The Heat head home for their final two games of Week 11, a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back.