Denver's Preseason Opener Arrives With Two Injury Clocks Running
Spencer Jones and Trevon Brazile are each day-to-day for Denver's preseason opener against Utah, with return estimates pointing to October 4 — the exact date of tip-off.
The Nuggets' first exhibition game doubles as a health check on two frontcourt pieces: Jones is nursing a hamstring issue and Brazile an undisclosed one, both targeting a return on the date Denver actually plays. Beyond the injury report, October 4 is mostly schedule and roster housekeeping, with Utah arriving off a 22-60 season and Denver's real opener still three weeks away.
What's actually wrong
Spencer Jones carries a hamstring issue, Trevon Brazile an undisclosed one; both sit day-to-day with an estimated return of October 4, the date of the Utah game itself. Neither designation signals a long absence, but a hamstring strain for a wing still carving out minutes is the kind of thing that lingers if rushed.
Why the depth chart is tight
Denver's frontcourt already absorbed one subtraction this summer when Bruce Brown left for the Knicks in the trade that brought back Cam Whitmore. Jones and Brazile are the insurance behind Aaron Gordon; losing either for the opener, even in an exhibition, is one fewer rep for Adelman to sort out before the games start counting.
Who's across the floor
Utah went 22-60 last season under Will Hardy, with a defense that allowed 120.8 points per hundred possessions and a net rating of -8.2 — Denver's own net rating last season was 5.2. Lauri Markkanen averaged 26.7 points and Keyonte George 23.6; those are the two scorers Denver's defense sees first. Utah has its own question mark, with Trey Alexander day-to-day on a rib injury.
What's still open
Whether Jones and Brazile actually suit up, or get held out as a precaution, is the open question. The schedule keeps moving regardless: Denver and Utah meet again October 6, Chicago visits October 11 on ESPN, Denver plays at the Clippers October 14 on NBA TV, and the regular season opens October 22 at Oklahoma City on ESPN.
Is Spencer Jones expected to play against Utah on October 4?
He's listed day-to-day with a hamstring issue, and his own estimated return date is October 4, so his availability for that game is unresolved.
When does Denver's regular season actually start?
October 22 at Oklahoma City, airing on ESPN.
