Deron Williams (calf) will play in Friday's preseason finale.

Williams (calf) will play in Friday's preseason finale, Earl Snead of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

Williams has been hampered by a strained calf since the start of camp, and he's yet to log a single minute of preseason action. Assuming he doesn't suffer a setback Friday, Williams projects to open the season as the Mavericks' starting point guard. He's coming off of a season in which he averaged 13.0 points to go with 6.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds for the Nets.