SALT LAKE CITY — Jamal Murray will start at point guard for the Nuggets in their regular season opener tonight in Utah.

Coach Michael Malone remained coy on who he’d pencil in at his starter during his pregame media availability but Murray was the name in the starters spot once tonight’s lineups were officially announced.

After releasing veteran Jameer Nelson to make room for Richard Jefferson — who could join the team in Denver later this week — Emmanuel Mudiay will assume the Nuggets’ backup role.

Look for Will Barton, who’s played well in a combo guard role off the bench during his tenure in Denver, to see some minutes at point guard with the Nuggets’ second unit as well.

“Will’s value is that he can run his team, he can facilitate, and he can score and create his shot for himself whenever he wants,” Malone said pregame. “Depending on who he’s on the floor with you can use him in different roles. Obviously, we like to get Will’s minutes up to around 26 minutes per night and when he plays those minutes I think you see Will as a scorer, a playmaker and also a rebounder.”

“It’s a goal of mine to get him to at least (26 minutes) a night,” Malone continued.

In seven starts at point guard for Denver last year, Murray averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.