Jazz list Williams as doubtful for opener, but questions remain

Oct. 28 -- When it comes to Deron Williams and his sprained left ankle, there are few clear answers from the Jazz, both as to whether Williams will play in Wednesday night's opener and whether it is wise for him to do so.

Williams is listed as doubtful to play against Denver, but was on the court with his teammates at practice Monday. He did some running and went through shooting drills, which the Jazz said was simply increased rehab activity.

"Any time we have him in the lineup, we're excited about that," Carlos Boozer said, "but we don't want him to come back too soon. We realize that one game isn't 82; one game or two games isn't going to hurt our season.

"Don't get me wrong: We're a better team with him. But at the same time, we're going to make sure he's 100 percent before he comes back and not make this a lingering problem, even if it is just an ankle."

The Jazz submitted a 15-man opening night roster to the NBA on Monday that had Williams listed as one of three inactive players. Matt Harpring and Jarron Collins were the other inactives.

That might be a nod to gamesmanship more than anything, though, with the Jazz not having to officially designate active and inactive players until an hour before Wednesday's game. Williams has not been available to reporters since Thursday.

If Williams is unable to play, Ronnie Price will start in his place.

The Nuggets also will be missing one of their biggest stars, with Carmelo Anthony serving a two-game suspension in connection with an April drunken driving arrest.

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