Growing up, Boston natives and longtime friends Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel both fantasized about one day making it to the NBA. But even in their buoyant youth, the two never imagined they would have the opportunity to realize their dream together as members of the same team.

That’s for good reason. It took a confluence of unpredictable circumstances to bring the two to Philadelphia. From a devastating knee injury that turned Noel from likely first-overall selection to mid-lottery pick to a blockbuster trade that not only delivered the freshman big man to Philadelphia but also created a need at point guard that urged the selection of Michael Carter-Williams with pick #11, a once unthinkable scenario was made reality on the night of the 2013 Draft.

At the time, Carter-Williams called the opportunity to join Noel in Philadelphia “a blessing,” and his teammate commended Sixers General Manager Sam Hinkie as “a genius.” But the two knew that playing side-by-side would have to wait.

Because of his knee injury, Noel spent the entire 2013-14 season as a medical redshirt, watching as Carter-Williams posted historical numbers en route to Rookie of the Year honors. Their patience was tested further when the 6’6” point guard underwent labrum surgery on his right shoulder one day after accepting the award, on May 6. The procedure prevented Carter-Williams from joining Noel as he made his professional debut during summer league and has sidelined him from game action to this point in the season.

On Thursday, he’s expected to make his highly anticipated return in a game against the Mavericks in Dallas, his first with Noel.

“It's going to be a special time. It took a while before it came, and we’re going to make the best of it,” said Noel. “Me and Mike have been working diligently in practice to make sure we’re on the same page, and we’re going to make sure we continue it."

In terms of chemistry, the two are already ahead of the curve. Carter-Williams and Noel first became close friends in 2009, when they played together as members of BABC, a premier AAU team based in Boston. In the two years between their last game together in 2011 and draft night in 2013, the two remained steadfast friends.

When asked on Tuesday about their BABC days, Carter-Williams fondly recalled a game in which he scored 47 points and Noel blocked 17 shots. Noel was quick to note that the official block total was actually 22.

“I think I can get him the ball in spots where he’s comfortable, whether it’s an alley-oop or right next to the rim,” Carter-Williams said of the synergy the two have developed. “And [Noel] helps everybody out, whether it’s blocking shots, or protecting the rim, or in transition. I think we can feed off each other.”

While 47 points and 22 blocks is probably unrealistic, fans will be excited just to get to see two of the organization’s major cornerstones play together for the first time. Count head coach Brett Brown amongst them.

“Fantastic,” Brown said of having the two back and healthy. “It’s early days, but it’s fantastic.”

Catch the action on Comcast SportsNet and 97.5 The Fanatic beginning at 8:30pm (EST).