Heat's Ware Unlikely to Start in Postseason Opener

Rookie center Kel'el Ware has impressed, but may not be ready for key playoff matchup

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with overlapping planes of red, blue, and teal representing the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets players and movements on the court.The Heat's lineup decisions will be crucial as they navigate the high-stakes play-in tournament against the perimeter-oriented Hornets.Today in Miami

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has started rookie center Kel'el Ware in the team's final two regular season games, but it's unlikely Ware will remain in the starting lineup for the team's play-in tournament matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Ware's defensive limitations could make him a liability against the Hornets' 3-point shooting attack.

Why it matters

The Heat are looking to make a deep playoff run, and Spoelstra has shown a willingness to adjust his rotations and lineups for the postseason. Ware's development has been a bright spot, but the team may need to rely on more experienced options to navigate the high-stakes play-in tournament.

The details

Ware started 32 games earlier in the regular season before Spoelstra moved him to the bench. The final two games of the season, against weaker opponents, provided an opportunity to get Ware back in the starting lineup. However, the Hornets present a different challenge with their perimeter shooting, which could expose Ware's defensive limitations in pick-and-roll coverage.

  • Ware started 32 games earlier in the regular season.
  • Ware started the final two games of the regular season.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

Head coach of the Miami Heat, known for his ability to adjust lineups and rotations for the playoffs.

Kel'el Ware

Rookie center for the Miami Heat who has shown promise but may not be ready to start in the team's high-stakes play-in tournament matchup.

Charlotte Hornets

The Miami Heat's opponent in the play-in tournament, known for their 3-point shooting attack which could expose Ware's defensive limitations.

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What they’re saying

“It only took Erik Spoelstra 80 games to get Kel'el Ware where he should be, in the starting lineup. Now we're talking.”

— Thomas

“As much as anything, they likely stood as starts of opportunity, with Erik Spoelstra able to move Ware into the lineup at minimal risk.”

— Ira Winderman, Columnist

What’s next

The Heat will face the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament, with the winner advancing to the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

While Kel'el Ware has shown promise, the Heat may need to rely on more experienced options to navigate the high-stakes play-in tournament against the perimeter-oriented Hornets. Spoelstra's ability to adjust his lineups for the postseason will be crucial to the team's playoff success.