The Dallas Mavericks' new backcourt will make its debut during the team's preseason finale Friday night.
Shooting guard Wesley Matthews and point guard Deron Williams both plan to play against the Chicago Bulls in Lincoln, Nebraska, after sitting out the previous six preseason games due to injuries.
To the surprise of many, Matthews is on course to reach his goal of playing in the regular-season opener despite rupturing his left Achilles tendon on March 5. The Mavs signed him to a four-year, $70 million contract despite Matthews being in the recovery process from an injury that has hampered many careers.
"As soon as I tore it, I said I was going to be ready," said Matthews, who bristled when coach Rick Carlisle indicated on media day that the prized free agent would sit out games to start the season.
Williams, who signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Mavs after receiving a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets this summer, has dealt with strains to both calves over the past six weeks and has been a full participant in only one practice.
Carlisle said Sunday that Williams would be sidelined for at least the remainder of the preseason, but the point guard responded well to 3-on-3 work Wednesday and practice Thursday.
