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, and 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 option in the frontcourt, a role that would limit his fantasy upside considerably.