Kel'el

Ware

Ware was one of Miami’s difference-makers on Saturday, recording a complete stat line in his 31 minutes on the floor. Over the past two weeks, the Heat rookie has provided top-50 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Ware’s partnership with Bam Adebayo has been profitable for the first-round pick, as it has turned him into a player who should be rostered in most standard leagues. Adebayo finished Saturday’s victory with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two three-pointers in 28 minutes.

Ware was the game’s leading rebounder as he produced a third double-double in his last four games. Ware has now scored in double figures in six straight games as he continues to improve down the home stretch of the season. The rookie out of Indiana has seen his playing time and production soar since the All-Star break, and fantasy managers should expect more of the same moving forward.

A sprained left knee is why Adebayo is on the Heat injury report, having suffered the injury during Friday’s loss to the Rockets. If Bam cannot play against the Hornets, the Heat will rely even more on rookie Kel’el Ware, while Kevin Love will likely pick up additional minutes. Haywood Highsmith would also be in line for more playing time, but neither he nor Love offers much fantasy value.

Ware has played at least 30 minutes in three of the last four games and has recorded a double-double each time he’s played at least 30 minutes over that stretch. The 20-year-old center clearly has immense potential as a big man who can score, rebound, shoot threes and impact the game on the defensive end. That was all on display again Friday. Ware is a budding fantasy star with the only question remaining being if he can get consistent playing time in Miami’s rotation.

Wiggins is expected to return after a two-game absence, and he should handle his normal workload as a member of the starting five. Haywood Highsmith has seen a bump in playing time over the last two, with Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. logging some extra minutes as well. Highsmith’s playing time will be most negatively impacted by Wiggins’ return.

The Heat are without Andrew Wiggins (leg) for Monday’s game, and his absence has prompted two changes to the starting lineup. Jaquez will fill the void left by Wiggins, while Highsmith replaces Kel’el Ware. Jaquez is worth streaming in deep leagues out of necessity, while managers who have Ware rostered should hold onto him.

Ware returned to the Heat starting lineup on Saturday and was among the few bright spots in their 125-91 defeat. The rookie’s double-double was his eighth of the season and first since February 23. Whether or not Ware can build on Saturday’s effort will depend on his place within the rotation. Being allowed to start raises the rookie’s fantasy ceiling considerably. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who Ware replaced in the starting lineup, finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes.

Ware returns to the starting lineup in the only change for the Heat, replacing Jaime Jaquez Jr. While the rookie’s production has tailed off since the All-Star break, he’s worth slotting into fantasy lineups when allowed to start. Jaquez isn’t worth holding onto in most leagues when coming off the bench.

Ware scored his seven points on seven shot attempts, so there wasn’t much to write home about on offense. He shined, however, on the defensive end with a team-high rebound total and four stocks. Production like this is absolutely sustainable for the rookie moving forward.

Ware will be back in action following a three-game absence, and he should reclaim his starting spot from Kevin Love. Burks’ second straight absence should free up additional minutes for Terry Rozier.