Heat's Kel'el Ware Sprained Ankle Leaves Season Opener Status Uncertain

Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware is a game-time decision for Wednesday's season opener against the Orlando Magic due to a sprained left ankle sustained in practice and lingering neck spasms. Ware participated in the morning shootaround and is trending positively, but his status depends on how he handles warmups before the game. He missed Monday's practice due to neck spasms but was able to practice later in the week, suggesting the injury is not severe. Ware had a strong preseason and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors last season, making his potential absence significant for the Heat. If Ware cannot play, the team may rely on Nikola Jovic or Jaime Jaquez to fill the frontcourt. Other Heat players Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakucionis are ruled out for the opener, while the Magic will be without center Moritz Wagner.