Overview
- Erik Spoelstra shifted Kel’el Ware into the starting frontcourt next to Bam Adebayo after opening with Nikola Jovic in Orlando, framing the choice as part of a flexible rotation.
- Ware posted 19 points and nine rebounds, Jovic delivered 20 points with six boards and four assists off the bench, and Adebayo scored 24.
- Spoelstra said the approach is designed to distribute minutes among Adebayo, Ware and Jovic, noting some games could feature Jovic as the starter.
- Bench depth boosted the pace as Jaime Jaquez Jr. energized the second unit and Simone Fontecchio stretched the floor with timely threes.
- Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakucionis were inactive for the trip and Terry Rozier was listed as not with team, with the Heat turning to the Knicks at home on Sunday.