DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 25: Nerlens Noel of the Dallas Mavericks during play in the first quarter at American Airlines Center on February 25, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
BOSTON (AP) - Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle says forward Nerlens Noel will have surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb.
Carlisle made the announcement Wednesday before the Mavericks game with the Boston Celtics.
Noel will undergo the procedure in Cleveland later this week. Carlisle said he is then expected to be out for several weeks, but couldn't offer a specific timetable for his return.
Noel hasn't played since Nov. 22. He's appeared in 18 games with six starts this season, averaging 4.0 points and 4.1 rebounds.
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