Mavericks' Felton expected to begin serving suspension Monday

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said he expects point guard Raymond Felton to start serving his four-game suspension Monday, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. 

If his suspension begins Monday on the road against the Charlotte Bobcats, Felton would be eligible to return and make his season debut Nov. 24 at home versus the Indiana Pacers. Felton has been out since suffering a right ankle sprain during the preseason, and the NBA prohibits players from serving a suspension while injured. 

The NBA announced Felton's suspension in August after the 10-year veteran out of the University of North Carolina pleaded guilty to gun charges in New York.

Felton, who was acquired from the New York Knicks in the offseason, will join a crowded Mavericks backcourt upon his return, leaving his role uncertain. Jameer Nelson and Monta Ellis have been starting at the guard positions, while J.J. Barea and Devon Harris have provided Dallas with quality minutes off the bench. 

"It's definitely something I look at, but it's also something you've got to figure out once you get on the court," Felton said. "Right now, we've got a good rhythm going. We're playing well, so wherever I fit in, wherever coach puts me in, that's where I fit in."