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The First Noel: New Mavs Center Debut’s Tonight Vs. Pels

By Kohl Rast

Nov 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots past Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots past Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks look to rebound after last night’s disappointing performance. One big boost will be the debut of the newest member of the team, Nerlens Noel.

Tonight, the Dallas Mavericks are going to have their hands full. The New Orleans Pelicans have their 2nd game with DeMarcus Cousins on the team, and even in their first, he was excellent. Now, the Mavs will be faced with trying to slow down Boogie and Anthony Davis.

That task is going to start with Dirk Nowitzki and Harrison Barnes. Dirk has never done well against the more athletic centers of the league and now he doesn’t even get a choice. Expect to see Nowitzki start on Boogie, but anything can happen.

Now you are probably wondering, “Why are we relying on these two instead of our blockbuster trade, Nerlens Noel?” Well, without a single practice under his belt and getting thrown into Coach Carlisle’s very complex system, I would expect Noel to come off the bench for the time being.

Dec 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Although there is no word as to what Carlisle’s plan is with Noel in the long run, many are speculating that he will join the starting lineup in place of Yogi Ferrell. This will shift everyone back to their natural position except for Seth Curry who will likely be thrown in as the starting point guard.

It is going to be an interesting night, but for now, the Mavs will just focus on doing what they can against the NBA’s newest Twin Towers, Boogie and AD. If Dallas is playing the way they are capable of, this should be a great game for the Mavs. But, if they play like they did last night, it may be a long night.

For Dallas to slow down this team, Noel is going to have to step up in a big way. That is a tall task for him and he may not have the best game that he will tonight. Give him a chance before we throw him in with the dogs.

Next: NBA Trade Deadline: Why the Mavericks Waived Deron Williams

The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans will be playing tonight in Dallas at 7:30 CT. With the first look at the Mavericks new center, Nerlens Noel debuting tonight, Mavs fans should be excited, even if it is not everything we hoped for just yet.

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