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Several rumors have surfaced in the last 24 hours as NBA teams finalize their rosters for opening night.
Key players are returning to action after long layoffs. The Denver Nuggets, OKC Thunder and the Orlando Magic will benefit from seeing their starters back in the rotation. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets will be without two starters for their season opener.
With the LA Clippers also making an important decision to round out their starting lineup, rumors have been in abundance in the last 24 hours.
Without further ado, we dive right into the rumors.
#1 Jamal Murray likely to play on opening night
The Denver Nuggets will start their season on the right foot. According to Mike Singer of the 'Denver Post', Nuggets superstar Jamal Murray is rumored to be available for the team's season opener.
Mike Singer, who has closely tracked the Nuggets star, mentioned that Murray will likely play against the Utah Jazz on October 19. Murray hasn't played in a regular-season game since the 2020-21 season. He will be a key piece returning to the floor for the Nuggets.
Jamal Murray was available for the Nuggets during the preseason. He looked a bit rusty at times, but showed flashes of his old self. The Nuggets hope to see their All-Star guard shine alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may make a timely return
Much like the Denver Nuggets, the OKC Thunder are also likely to see a key player return to the roster ahead of opening night. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recovering from an MCL injury, The Oklahoman's Joe Mussatto mentioned that the young star is likely to play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a key member of OKC's young core. Playing alongside the likes of Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort, Shai emerged as a star-caliber player last season.
After sustaining an MCL injury last month, the Thunder are excited to see the young star return to the floor. Unfortunately, with Chet Holmgren out, OKC may go ahead with their plans to tank this season.
#3 Jalen Suggs could return in time for opening night
The news regarding Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is more positive than initially expected. He was expected to miss the start of the season after sustaining a knee injury during the preseason. The Magic are fortunate to see him return ahead of schedule.
As reported by the Orlando Sentinel's Khobe Price, Suggs will play against the Detroit Pistons on October 19. With Suggs returning to the lineup, Orlando will see their young core available at full strength.
Jalen Suggs missed a significant amount of time last season due to a fractured right thumb. The Magic will benefit from the youngster making a speedy recovery.
#4 Brooklyn Nets likely to miss sharpshooters for season opener
The Brooklyn Nets will be shorthanded heading into the season. According to ESPN's Nick Friedell, the Nets will likely see both Seth Curry and Joe Harris miss their season opener.
As Curry and Harris recover from their ankle injuries, neither has progressed to the point of engaging in 5-on-5 drills.
Luckily, neither player has dealt with any setbacks during recovery. Still, it's not an ideal way to start the season for a team with title aspirations.
#5 Reggie Jackson may start for the LA Clippers
The LA Clippers had an interesting conundrum on their hands. They have a lot of guard depth on their roster. They signed John Wall this offseason, adding another quality piece to a crowded backcourt. It had the Clippers contemplating who to start at point guard on opening night.
To dispel these doubts, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported that the Clippers have named Reggie Jackson as the opening night starter. Clippers coach Ty Lue made a wise decision.
Since Wall hasn't played an NBA game since the 2020-21 season, Jackson is a far more reliable choice. Additionally, Wall will also need time to assimilate into the team and their style of play. Having him settle in gradually could be more beneficial in the long-run.
