Clowney is not in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Nets will start Ben Simmons at center, meaning Clowney will head back to the bench. Given that Nic Claxton (hamstring) is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Hawks next Wednesday, there's a strong chance Clowney will open the season as a backup alternative in the frontcourt, a role that would limit his fantasy upside considerably.