Overview

• Kel’el Ware posted 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 120-104 loss to the Magic that dropped Miami to 0-4 in the preseason, and the Heat were minus-12 during his minutes.
• Spoelstra praised Ware’s progress and work on the offensive glass but highlighted missed decisions at key swing points that undercut impact.
• Starting spots remain open, with Spoelstra saying all options are on the table; Ware came off the bench in the first three games and started only when Bam Adebayo rested.
• Davion Mitchell returned from calf soreness for his preseason debut, playing roughly 10 minutes and finishing with two points and two assists after re-signing on a two-year, $24 million deal.
• Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis exited in the first quarter with right-hip soreness, and the team will monitor his status with the Oct. 22 opener approaching.