Mavericks' Nerlens Noel: Will start Friday vs. Grizzlies

Noel will start at center in Friday's game against the Grizzlies, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

Analysis:

Noel was slated to make his first start with the Mavericks in Wednesday's loss to the Hawks, but after he was 10 minutes late for the team's flight to Atlanta, coach Rick Carlisle opted to go with Dorian Finney-Smith on the top unit instead. Noel still ended up opening the second half of that contest with the starters, and now he'll have an opportunity to work with the top unit right from the opening tip Friday. Noel could push for a 30-minute role for as long as he sticks in the starting lineup, though he could head back to the bench as soon as Wesley Matthews (hip) is cleared to return.