Crucial Heat decision may have just been taken out of Erik Spoelstra's hands

"A decision that, for the most part, may have been taken out of Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra's hands, thanks to an injury to Kel'el Ware. Spo still hadn't committed to a starting 5 as of practice a little more than 24 hours ahead of their season-opener against the Magic. However, after Ware suffered an ankle sprain toward the end of Tuesday's practice, all signs do now seem to point to Jovic getting the starting nod. Officially, Ware is listed as questionable."

"Ware could still play in the opener, but, especially at this point, I do believe that it's far more likely that the Heat will take the safe route with their highly-touted center. Unless, of course, the "ankle sprain" was more of an overstatement, the Heat does tend to tread on the safer side. That makes me believe that even if Ware is going to try to give it a go in the opener, he'll more than likley play a much smaller role than initially thought."

"Whether that changes much for the Heat, or at all, remains to be seen. Spo still hadn't publicly committed to a starting 5, and Jovic may have been his decision at the 4 in the end. But there's no question the injury to Ware just took that decision out of his hands. At this point, knowing everything we know about how the Heat (and Spo) operates, it would be surprising if the starting 5 didn't include Jovic."

Kel'el Ware suffered an ankle sprain late in practice and is officially listed as questionable for the season-opener against the Orlando Magic. The injury has likely forced a lineup decision, with Nikola Jovic expected to start alongside Bam Adebayo. The Heat typically take a cautious approach to injuries, so Ware would likely see reduced minutes or come off the bench if he plays. Coach Erik Spoelstra had not publicly named a starting five before practice, but the injury appears to determine the frontline. The starting point guard position remains a potential source of surprise.

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