Rick Carlisle usually guards his lineup decisions like they belong in Fort Knox, but he divulged on Saturday that 80 percent of his preferred starters will be on the court for the jump ball tonight in the preseason opener.
Newcomers DeAndre Jordan and Luka Doncic will join Wesley Matthews and Dennis Smith Jr. in the starting lineup. Dorian Finney-Smith will start in place of the injured Harrison Barnes (hamstring).
With only four preseason games, the clock already is ticking when it comes to creating some cohesion among the starters.
"Dennis, Wes, who have been here, get a chance to play with Luka and DeAndre," Carlisle said.