Ware will be in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

EDGE Analysis

Ware played only 14 minutes off the bench during the team's season opener against the Magic and didn't make much of an impact during that short time on the floor. He'll be joined by Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo in the first five.

Ware (neck/ankle) racked up seven points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt), four rebounds, one block and one steal over 14 minutes during Wednesday's 125-121 loss to Orlando.

EDGE Analysis

While Ware was able to play through neck spasms and an ankle sprain, the Heat decided to ease him back into the lineup by deploying him from the bench. Nikola Jovic started at power forward in his place, but the former scored just nine points in 23 minutes of action. Ware was a popular breakout candidate for 2025-26 after a strong rookie campaign, and it shouldn't be long before he supplants Jovic in Miami's first unit.

Ware (ankle) is available for Wednesday's season opener against the Magic, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

A sprained ankle won't be enough to keep Ware from playing Wednesday. The second-year big man wouldn't figure to have a noticeable minutes restriction, but he will come off the bench, with Nikola Jovic starting at power forward. Last regular season, Ware averaged 10.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest in 36 games as a starter during his rookie campaign.

Ware (ankle/neck) participated in Wednesday's morning shootaround, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to coach Erik Spoelstra, Ware remains questionable to face the Magic on Wednesday. However, it does appear that he's trending in the right direction. If Ware can get through warmups with no setbacks, he could get the green light to play through his injuries.

Ware (neck/ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's season opener against the Magic, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ware was initially listed as probable for Wednesday, which has changed after he suffered an ankle injury in Tuesday's practice. The Indiana product dealt with neck spasms, resulting in him being held out of Monday's practice. If Ware is unable to play in the season opener, the team will likely lean on Nikola Jovic (back) in the frontcourt.

Ware (neck) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Magic, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ware was held out of practice Monday, though it sounds like the team was being overly cautious. Coach Erik Spoelstra hasn't committed to a starting lineup yet, but Ware did not see a start alongside Bam Adebayo during the final three preseason games.

Ware didn't practice Monday due to neck spasms, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't sound like a significant issue, though it's enough to leave Ware's status in the dark for Wednesday's season opener against the Magic. If he can't play, it's possible Jaime Jaquez will be needed to make a spot start.

Ware posted a 20-point (7-15 FG, 6-6 FT), 14-rebound double-double during Friday's 141-125 preseason loss to the Grizzlies, adding one steal, one block and one turnover across 30 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Ware has been lighting it up for Miami throughout the preseason, posting averages of 17.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in just 22.4 minutes a night. He looks poised to open the season as a full-time starter in Miami, and the Heat will need his offense with Tyler Herro (ankle) set to begin the year on the sidelines. In other words, Ware looks ready for a sophomore breakout season.

Ware finished with 24 points (9-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes during Sunday's 120-104 preseason loss to the Magic.

EDGE Analysis

Ware took full advantage of his opportunity to start, needing only 25 minutes to turn in a double-double. He led the Heat in both points and rebounds, but it wasn't quite enough to secure a victory. Even so, Sunday's performance is a clear indication that the big man is ready for the 2025-26 regular season.

Ware will start Sunday's preseason game against Orlando, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Bam Adebayo resting and Nikola Jovic (back) out, Ware will get his first start of the preseason. He's been a clear standout in Miami's exhibition slate thus far.