Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Unlikely to Return by Tuesday

Rookie forward dealing with left midfoot sprain

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:40am

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd stated that rookie forward Cooper Flagg is "probably" not going to be ready to play in the team's upcoming games against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday and the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Flagg has been sidelined since February 10th due to a left midfoot sprain.

Why it matters

Flagg has been a key contributor for the Mavericks this season, providing valuable minutes off the bench. His absence will likely lead to increased playing time for other role players like Brandon Williams, Caleb Martin, and Naji Marshall as the team looks to maintain its position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The details

Flagg suffered the left midfoot sprain on February 10th and has not played since. The team has not provided a specific timeline for his return, but Kidd's comments suggest Flagg will miss at least the next two games. With Flagg out, the Mavericks will need to rely more heavily on their bench depth to fill the void left by the rookie's absence.

  • Flagg has been sidelined since February 10th.
  • He is unlikely to play in the Mavericks' games on Sunday, February 26th against the Thunder and Tuesday, February 28th against the Hornets.

The players

Cooper Flagg

Rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who has been sidelined with a left midfoot sprain.

Jason Kidd

Head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Brandon Williams

Mavericks player who may see increased minutes with Flagg out.

Caleb Martin

Mavericks player who may see increased minutes with Flagg out.

Naji Marshall

Mavericks player who may see increased minutes with Flagg out.

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What they’re saying

“Flagg (foot) 'probably' won't be ready to play by Tuesday's game against the Hornets”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach (DallasHoopsJournal.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will provide an update on Flagg's progress and timeline for return closer to the team's game against the Hornets on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Flagg's injury is a setback for the Mavericks, who will need to rely on their bench depth to fill the void during his absence. The team's ability to weather this injury will be crucial as they look to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race.