Mavericks' Nerlens Noel: Bypassed for Wednesday start

Coach Rick Carisle initially planned to start Noel at center Wednesday against the Hawks, but the newly-acquired big man will continue to come off the bench instead, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

The Mavericks have a vacancy in their starting lineup Wednesday with Wesley Matthews (hip) out, but Carlisle bypassed Noel for the appointment to the top unit after the 22-year-old was 10 minutes late for the team flight to Atlanta on Tuesday. Noel apologized to the team for his tardiness and won't be subjected to any further punishment, but he'll stick in a bench role Wednesday as Dorian Finney-Smith receives the promotion to the starting five.