Mavs to start Boban Marjanovic at center for Game 5 vs. Clippers, shift Kristaps Porzingis to power forward

© Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic (51) goes to the basket as LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) defends during the first quarter of an NBA playoff basketball game at American Airlines Center on Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Dallas.

Less than two hours before the Mavericks’ Game 5 started Wednesday night, Clippers coach Ty Lue predicted Dallas would test a bigger lineup and start center Boban Marjanovic in the pivotal first-round clash.

Moments later, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle declined to pay Lue’s theory any mind — at least publicly — while on Zoom with reporters.

But the Mavericks couldn’t keep the lineup tweak secret for long.

Consider Lue the adjustment spoiler.

Boban Marjanovic will start at center for Game 5 in Staples Center, replacing Maxi Kleber and shifting Kristaps Porzingis’ opening role to power forward.

The two big men will join Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Mavericks’ starting backcourt throughout the series.