The Mavericks will be without Cooper Flagg when they take the floor for Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks.
The 18-year-old rookie forward was downgraded to out because of an illness. He was not present at the team’s shootaround Wednesday morning at American Airlines Center. Caleb Martin will also miss the game with illness.
Flagg played close to 27 minutes in Monday’s 24-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was the second night of a back-to-back after an overtime win over Portland on Sunday.
Flagg has appeared in all 14 games for the Mavericks despite playing through a right thumb splint, which requires him to wear tape on his hand for four to six weeks. He’s also nursed a left shoulder injury he sustained Oct. 27 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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While they will be missing Flagg, the Mavericks will have Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II back in the lineup after the team rested their big man duo on Monday.
New York will play without OG Anunoby, who has a left hamstring strain. It is unclear if former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson will be available for his annual return to American Airlines Center. The All-Star guard was upgraded to questionable because of a right ankle sprain.
The Knicks have yet to win a road game this season after losing their last four games in opposing arenas. On the contrary, the Mavericks haven’t played well at home with a record of 3-8. Without Flagg, it’ll be more difficult to emerge victorious.
Flagg is averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals this season.
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