It’s finally happening. THE Kel’el Ware the escape has arrived. Rostered in just 29% of leagues, Ware should be considered a must-play player at this point. On Sunday, Ware started the second half of their win over the Spurs and contributed 25 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 34 minutes. He had slowly taken on a bigger role off the bench, and he had put in some good performances before that, but the start of the second half was a sign that he had earned more responsibility.
On Tuesday, Ware joined the starting lineup alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. It was the first start of his career, and he provided 20 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks and two 3-pointers in 39 minutes. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Heat, especially what they will do with Jimmy Butler. However, Ware has been a beacon of hope during these confusing times in Miami. The Heat have two games left this week and three games next week.
Here are some other streaming options to consider:
PF/C Guerschon Yabusélé (16% registered), Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid’s availability will continue to be one of the biggest question marks in the league, which has opened up a ton of minutes for Yabusele and Andre Drummond, when they become available. Yabusele came off the bench on Tuesday, but he played more minutes than Drummond and was statistically more productive. The 76ers have two more back-to-back games this week on Friday and Saturday, and they start next week with a back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday. Even if Embiid returns soon, he will miss at least two of his next four games. He is expected to be re-evaluated soon, which should provide more clarity, but until he returns, Yabusele should be worth listing.
SG/SF Duncan Robinson (14% registered), Miami Heat
Robinson returned to the starting lineup three games ago and has been very productive. He had seven assists in his first start, and he scored 43 points and made 11 triples in their last two games. Robinson hasn’t been a reliable fantasy option this season, but he has the hot hand right now, which is worth considering if you need 3-pointers.
PG/SG Anthony Black (12% registered), Orlando Magic
Black got the start Tuesday and continued his productive streak. It was his sixth straight game with double-digit scoring, and he contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and a 3-pointer as a starter against Toronto with Cole Anthony (illness) sidelined. If Anthony remains out against Portland on Thursday, Black should continue to get going and generate strong value.
PG/SG Nick Smith Jr. (9% registered), Charlotte Hornets
Smith Jr. remains widely available, but he has started his last two games and has been productive. He averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 4.0 threes per game as a starter, and with Brandon Miller out indefinitely, the starting job Smith Jr. should be safe. They have three more games this week and two more four-game weeks after that.
