Mavericks' Flagg expected to return vs. Magic, ending 4-game skid

Rookie star Cooper Flagg to play with minutes restriction after missing 8 games with left midfoot sprain

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Orlando Magic after missing the team's past 8 games due to a left midfoot sprain. Flagg, who is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game this season, will be on a minutes restriction as the Mavericks look to end their 4-game losing streak and climb out of 12th place in the Western Conference standings.

Why it matters

Flagg's return is a major boost for the struggling Mavericks, who have lost 4 straight games without their star rookie. Flagg is in a tight race with Charlotte's Kon Knueppel for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, so his performance down the stretch will be crucial. The Mavericks are also hoping Flagg's return can help them climb back up the Western Conference standings and secure a playoff spot.

The details

Flagg suffered the left midfoot sprain on February 10th against the Phoenix Suns. He missed the Mavericks' first 7 games after the All-Star break as the team took a cautious approach to his recovery. Without Flagg, the Mavericks have struggled, scoring just 90 points in their most recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

  • Flagg suffered the left midfoot sprain on February 10th.
  • Flagg has missed the Mavericks' past 8 games.
  • Flagg is expected to return on Thursday, March 5th, against the Orlando Magic.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie star for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game this season.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who is Flagg's primary competition for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On Feb. 19, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd described Flagg's status as 'day to day,' but Flagg still missed Dallas' first seven games after the All-Star break as the team took a cautious approach to his return.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will play the Boston Celtics on Friday, which will effectively be a homecoming game for Flagg, who grew up in Newport, Maine - just a 3 1/2-hour drive from TD Garden.

The takeaway

Flagg's return is crucial for the Mavericks as they look to end their 4-game losing streak and climb back up the Western Conference standings. His performance down the stretch will also be pivotal in his tight race with Kon Knueppel for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.