Denver Nuggets — LA Clippers

Murray is dealing with a personal matter, but it shouldn't affect his status for the regular-season opener. His next chance to play will come Tuesday in Utah. Tyus Jones should see an expanded role with Murray unavailable.

Jones tweaked his hamstring during training camp and did not practice Friday. According to Brendan Vogt of TheDNVR.com, head coach David Adelman said pregame that the goal is for the 25-year-old forward to be available for the regular-season opener against the Thunder on Oct. 22, so it wouldn't be surprising if he missed most, if not all, of the preseason.

It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

The Clippers learned about the injury this summer, though it's unclear exactly how far along Ingram is in his recovery. The star forward's timeline for a return is unclear, clouding his fantasy outlook in the meantime. Darius Garland should take on all the usage he can handle in Ingram's stead, while Kris Dunn and Max Strus could have additional streaming appeal early in the year.

Strus appeared to tweak his foot while making a cut in the first quarter. Keaton Wagler figures to see more playing time with Strus out.

Niederhauser is progressing from March surgery but won't be able to suit up to begin the year. The Clippers are likely to take a cautious approach with the 2025 first-rounder. Isaiah Jackson should occupy the backup center spot behind Brook Lopez early in the campaign.

It's unclear when Sanders began dealing with the hip issue, though it'll keep him out of the Clippers' preseason opener. He will also be limited to individual work during Saturday's practice, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com. Sanders' next opportunity to suit up during the preseason will come next Saturday against the Raptors.

While Beal has recovered from hip surgery that cost him nearly all of last year, he's now dealing with knee inflammation. His status is in doubt for the preseason opener Sunday against the Warriors, but the veteran swingman's regular-season status doesn't sound to be in serious danger for now.