Gardner (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Thursday in the Heat's 134-126 loss to the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner had appeared in each of the Heat's previous six games, but after a three-game run as a starter, he had been a fringe part of the rotation while moving to the bench for the latter three contests. Though Miami was without Jaime Jaquez (hip) and Andrew Wiggins (toe) on Thursday, the return of Bam Adebayo (calf) was enough to bump Gardner out of the rotation entirely.

Gardner will return to the second unit for Thursday's game against the Bucks, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kel'el Ware will replace Gardner in the first unit for Thursday's game. As a reserve this season, Gardner has posted averages of 6.9 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest.

Gardner will start Friday against the Hornets, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner is getting a spot-start with both Norman Powell (groin) and Andrew Wiggins (knee) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson and Bam Adebayo. Across four starts this season, Gardner has posted averages of 11.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 triples and 1.8 steals per contest.

Gardner (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Thursday in the Heat's 124-117 loss to the 76ers.

EDGE Analysis

Recently upgraded from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, Gardner had appeared in each of the Heat's previous 10 contests, though his playing time had tailed off of late while Miami has moved closer to full health. The rookie ended up falling out of the rotation entirely Thursday, with head coach Erik Spoelstra opting to go with Simone Fontecchio (nine minutes) as the 10th man. Gardner could eventually take his spot on the second unit back from Fontecchio, but the former will realistically need Miami to be without multiple key contributors in order to see meaningful minutes in a given game.

Gardner was ejected late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's win over the Grizzlies after engaging in a fight with Scotty Pippen, Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian reports.

EDGE Analysis

The circumstances of the fight were unclear, but Gardner was ejected immediately after a brawl with Pippen. Gardner finished the game with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists across six minutes off the bench.

Gardner won't start against the Hawks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner started four of Miami's seven outings prior to the All-Star break, though he'll retreat to the second unit Friday. He has averaged 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.6 minutes per game over 22 appearances off the bench so far this season.

The Heat signed Gardner to a three-year contract Wednesday, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner, who was previously on a two-way contract, has thoroughly impressed the Heat thus far. Across 26 total appearances, the rookie has hit 40.0 percent from beyond the arc with averages of 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 9.2 minutes per contest. He's expected to play a larger role down the stretch.

Gardner will start against New Orleans on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

With Andrew Wiggins (toe) sidelined, Gardner will get the starting nod. As a starter this season (three games), the two-way player has averaged 12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 59.1 percent from the field in 22.0 minutes per tilt.

Gardner isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Jazz, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner drew a spot start Sunday against the Wizards, but he'll retreat to a bench role Monday as the Heat elect to roll with two bigs in the first five. He's scored in double figures in three of his previous five games, though he hasn't contributed much when deployed as a reserve.

Gardner is in the Heat's starting lineup against the Wizards on Sunday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardner will enter the Heat's starting lineup for the third time in five games while Pelle Larsson (elbow) takes a seat. Gardner's last start took place Tuesday in Miami's loss to Atlanta, during which he logged 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers over 22 minutes.