Mavericks’ Noel facing surgery

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle says forward Nerlens Noel will have surgery for a torn ligament in his left thumb.

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.