The Dallas Mavericks have officially ruled out Cooper Flagg for Tuesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center as he continues recovering from a left midfoot sprain.
Flagg most recently appeared on Feb. 10 against the Phoenix Suns, delivering 27 points and five rebounds in 36 minutes. He shot 8-of-20 from the field and went 11-of-14 from the free-throw line in that outing, finishing with a +10 plus-minus in a competitive road performance. That game marked his final appearance before the injury sidelined him just prior to the All-Star break.
Head coach Jason Kidd provided a brief update earlier this week after Flagg completed an individual workout in Indianapolis.
“Coop did his stuff. Did his workout. He looks good. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Kidd said.
Despite encouraging signs in controlled activity, the Mavericks are maintaining a measured approach and will hold Flagg out once again.
Dallas Mavericks End Losing Streak Without Cooper Flagg
Through 49 games this season, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 34.1 minutes per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 80.4% from the free-throw line. He leads Dallas with 999 total points and has functioned as a primary initiator in late-game situations throughout his rookie campaign.
His 27-point effort in Phoenix continued a stretch in which he consistently shouldered heavy usage, operating as a point-forward and drawing defensive attention in half-court sets. The midfoot sprain interrupted that rhythm, forcing the organization to prioritize long-term stability over short-term availability.
Dallas currently sits at 20-36, 12th in the Western Conference standings. In Flagg’s absence, the Mavericks have leaned on balanced scoring and improved ball movement to stabilize production.
That approach was evident Sunday in a 134-130 victory over the Indiana Pacers, snapping a 10-game losing streak. Khris Middleton scored 25 points with seven rebounds and seven assists, while P.J. Washington added 23 points and nine rebounds. Marvin Bagley III contributed 12 points and 11 boards as six Mavericks reached double figures.
Dallas led 36-33 after one quarter, carried a 71-66 advantage into halftime and used a 12-3 third-quarter run to stretch the margin to 94-84. Indiana cut the deficit to three midway through the fourth quarter but never reclaimed the lead.
Additional Injury Context and Brooklyn Outlook
Flagg joins a continued list of absences for Dallas. Kyrie Irving remains out following left knee surgery, and Dereck Lively II continues rehabilitation from right foot surgery.
Daniel Gafford is listed as questionable due to right ankle injury management. Caleb Martin is probable as he works through a left ankle sprain, while two-way players Moussa Cissé and Ryan Nembhard are doubtful. Miles Kelly is probable.
The Mavericks are scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday in Brooklyn, with the organization aiming to build on Sunday’s breakthrough performance. Flagg’s availability will remain day-to-day as the team evaluates his response to continued workload progression.
For now, Dallas remains encouraged by his visible progress but committed to a disciplined recovery timeline.