Heat's Erik Spoelstra teases new role for Kel'el Ware ahead of play-in

Spoelstra hints at keeping Ware in starting lineup for rest of season

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:33pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color that capture the raw energy and dynamic movement of an NBA basketball game, with the figures of two players dissolving into the energetic composition.The Heat's new starting frontcourt duo of Kel'el Ware and Bam Adebayo could provide a much-needed spark as the team prepares for the NBA play-in tournament.Today in Miami

With the Miami Heat preparing for the NBA play-in tournament, head coach Erik Spoelstra hinted at keeping second-year center Kel'el Ware in the starting lineup for the rest of the season. Ware had a strong performance in the Heat's recent win over the Washington Wizards, recording 12 points and 8 rebounds while starting alongside Bam Adebayo. Spoelstra said the change allows Ware to get more minutes early in the game and provides flexibility as the game progresses.

Why it matters

The Heat are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings and need a win over the Atlanta Hawks, coupled with a Charlotte Hornets loss, to host the Hornets in the first game of the play-in tournament. Ware's increased role could provide a boost for the Heat as they look to secure a playoff spot.

The details

With the Heat undermanned due to injuries, the starting lineup featured Ware, rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, and Simone Fontecchio alongside Bam Adebayo. Ware responded with a strong performance, scoring 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and grabbing 8 rebounds. Spoelstra said the change allows Ware to get more minutes early in the game and provides flexibility as the game progresses, rather than having Ware sit for long stretches on the bench.

  • The Heat's regular season finale against the Atlanta Hawks is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The NBA play-in tournament is scheduled to begin shortly after the regular season ends.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, known for his innovative coaching strategies and ability to develop young talent.

Kel'el Ware

A second-year center for the Miami Heat who has shown promise and is now being given a larger role in the starting lineup.

Bam Adebayo

The All-Star center for the Miami Heat, who has been a key part of the team's success in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of it was trying to get Kel'el into that lineup. Kel'el is really important to what we're trying to do. We all know about his upside. This can get him next to Bam [Adebayo], stabilize him a little bit to start the game. And then it gives us a little bit of flexibility as the game moves on.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“Sometimes in the last couple of weeks, some of the lineups with Bam have been really good. And then we end up going longer with that, and it just ends up being longer for Kel'el sitting on the bench. And he's a key player for us, so this allows him to get some minutes right out of the gate.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

What’s next

A win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, coupled with a Charlotte Hornets loss to the New York Knicks, would put the Heat in 9th place in the Eastern Conference and allow them to host the Hornets in the first game of the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

Ware's increased role in the starting lineup could provide a much-needed boost for the Heat as they look to secure a playoff spot through the play-in tournament. Spoelstra's willingness to experiment with the lineup shows his commitment to finding the right combination to help the team succeed.