Mavericks' Deron Williams: Will start Friday

Williams (calf) will return to action and start in Friday's matchup against the Cavaliers, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

Williams attempted a return after a four game absence, but was only able to play ten minutes before missing the next four games as well. He has essentially been sidelined for nine consecutive games as a result. Expect the Mavericks to ease him back into the swing of things a bit in Friday's game, and avoid giving him a heavy workload. It will be the first time since Nov. 2 that the Mavericks have their intended starting unit together. Seth Curry will return to a reserve role with Williams' return.