Heat Coach Spoelstra Shakes Up Lineup for Play-In Game

Rookie center Kel'el Ware gets surprise start against Hornets

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the strategic adjustments and high-stakes nature of the Heat-Hornets Play-In contest.Spoelstra's strategic lineup shift aims to counter Charlotte's perimeter shooting and rebounding prowess in the crucial Play-In matchup.Today in Miami

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is making a bold lineup change for the team's NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets, inserting rookie center Kel'el Ware into the starting lineup alongside Bam Adebayo. This move comes as a surprise, as Ware had primarily come off the bench this season, with Adebayo playing center. Spoelstra is hoping Ware's size and rebounding can help counter Charlotte's lethal 3-point shooting.

Why it matters

The Heat are the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and face elimination if they lose to the Hornets. Spoelstra is shaking up his rotation in an attempt to give his team the best chance of advancing to face the loser of the 76ers-Magic play-in game. This lineup change could be a game-changer, but it also carries significant risk against Charlotte's potent offense.

The details

Spoelstra is inserting the 7-foot rookie Kel'el Ware into the starting lineup, with Bam Adebayo shifting to power forward. This moves Andrew Wiggins to small forward and pairs Tyler Herro with Davion Mitchell in the backcourt. The move is designed to give the Heat more size and rebounding to counter Charlotte's strong perimeter shooting. However, it also requires Ware to be diligent in closing out on the Hornets' 3-point shooters.

  • The Heat and Hornets will face off in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, known for making bold lineup changes in high-stakes playoff situations.

Kel'el Ware

A 7-foot rookie center for the Miami Heat who is getting his first career NBA start in a crucial play-in game.

Bam Adebayo

The All-Star power forward for the Miami Heat, who is shifting to center in this new lineup.

Andrew Wiggins

The veteran small forward for the Miami Heat, who is moving back to his natural position in this new lineup.

Tyler Herro

The sharpshooting guard for the Miami Heat, who will be paired with Davion Mitchell in the backcourt.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ware needs to get out to shooters.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“It's up to Ware and the starting group not to let the game get away early.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

What’s next

If the Heat win this play-in game against the Hornets, they will advance to face the loser of the 76ers-Magic play-in game on Friday.

The takeaway

Spoelstra is taking a big risk by shaking up his starting lineup in a must-win play-in game, but he's hoping the added size and rebounding of Kel'el Ware can help counter Charlotte's perimeter shooting and give the Heat a better chance of advancing in the postseason.