A shoulder injury to Kel'el Ware could halt all of the Miami Heat's momentum and derail the team's season at the worst possible moment.
Just when it seemed as if things were beginning to click for the Heat, Ware is now listed as "questionable" for the team heading into Tuesday night's matchup against the Washington Wizards. This will be the first of three games at home for the Heat.
Kel'el Ware could miss an important stretch for the Heat
After Tuesday night's game against the Wizards, the Heat have two important matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic before six-straight "difficult" games. Over that stretch, they'll have their rematch with the Charlotte Hornets, and then head west for tilts against the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. They'll then play two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This upcoming two-week stretch could very well make or break the Heat's season. And if they're going to have to navigate through those waters with a less than 100 percent Ware, it's going to make their task nearly impossible.
There's a good chance that Ware is going to play through the injury, which doesn't seem significant, but it's certainly one thing to monitor over the course of the next few games.
If it's one of those injuries that can get worse, it may be in the best interest of the Heat to try to find a couple of games to rest him. However, especially in the East's close playoff race, every game just holds so much weight.
Kel'el Ware is playing his best basketball right now
Losing a game or two because of Ware's absence could significantly shift the standings out of the Heat's favor. At this point in the season, that would be downright disastrous, especially considering how well the team is playing of late.
Ware, specifically, is also playing his best basketball right now.
During his last 12 games, Ware has averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds on 55 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range. He's also been a +7.0 when he's been on the floor for the Heat. Perhaps most importantly, Ware is averaging 24 minutes per contest in that stretch.
He may not be starting, but it's becoming clear that he's earning more and more trust from Erik Spoelstra. His minutes reflect that, and it's even something that Bam Adebayo has spoken about recently.
Ware has slowly become an important component of the Heat's success. Losing him, even if it is momentarily because of injury, would be a gutting development for the Heat's hopes of avoiding the Play-In Tournament.