NBA Notes: Pistons, Jaden Ivey, Hornets, Brandon Miller, Suns

Pistons

Jaden Ivey has a chance to make his season debut on Saturday in Milwaukee.

The Pistons have listed the third-year guard as questionable with a “return to competition reconditioning” designation, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

It’s the first time this fall he hasn’t been ruled out in advance, as noted by Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press.

Ivey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in mid-October after dealing with discomfort during the preseason. He resumed on-court work last week and spent time with the Motor City Cruise to build conditioning.

The former No. 5 pick hasn’t played in an NBA game since fracturing his left fibula on New Year’s Day.

Ivey averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season and shot a career-best 49 percent from three. He’ll be a restricted free agent next summer.

Despite early injuries to several rotation players, Detroit is off to an impressive start under JB Bickerstaff.

The Pistons have won 11 straight and sit atop the East at 13-2. Tobias Harris, out nine games with a high ankle sprain, is also questionable for Saturday.

Hornets

Brandon Miller is expected to return Saturday against the Clippers after missing 13 games with a partially dislocated left shoulder. The former No. 2 pick is not on the injury report, per the Hornets.

Miller suffered the injury in the second game of the season after a strong opener. He played in 74 games as a rookie but was limited to 27 last year due to wrist surgery.

Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reported that Miller resumed basketball activity this week and practiced with the G League’s Greensboro Swarm.

Miller, who turns 23 on Saturday, holds career averages of 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He remains a key part of Charlotte’s long-term core.

Meanwhile, Tre Mann is questionable with left ankle soreness as the Hornets try to stop a skid that has dropped them to four and eleven.

Suns

Collin Gillespie is carving out a steady role in Phoenix. Back on a one-year minimum deal, the backup point guard is averaging 10.5 points and 5.1 assists in 24 minutes per game.

“I would like to be here long-term,” Gillespie said, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “It’s 15 games into the season. I’m not even worried about that right now. Just play the year out, win a lot of games, and then focus on it after the season.”