Cooper Flagg is expected to play Thursday night against the Orlando Magic, though the Dallas Mavericks are treating it as a game-time decision.
Co-interim General Manager Michael Finley made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon on 105.3 The Fan’s K&C Masterpiece.
“That’s the plan right now,” Finley told 105.3 The Fan. “I think it’s still a game-time decision, but he looked good in his workouts yesterday, he looked good earlier today, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that he could come back and give us some minutes tonight.”
Flagg has missed eight consecutive games with a left midfoot sprain, the longest absence of his rookie season. He was upgraded to questionable on Wednesday after being listed as doubtful heading into Tuesday’s 117-90 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Dallas is 2-6 without him during this stretch and has lost 14 of its last 16 games overall.
Cooper Flagg’s Injury Timeline for the Dallas Mavericks
Flagg sprained the left midfoot on Feb. 10 during a road game in Phoenix and was held out the following day after an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. He was initially listed as out with no timetable for return. The first movement came on Monday when he was upgraded to doubtful ahead of the Charlotte game — the first shift in his injury designation since the injury occurred.
DallasHoopsJournal.com observed Flagg’s shootaround workout at Spectrum Center on Tuesday. He went through a full session with no visible hesitation on the left foot, launched off his left foot without issue, and shot one-legged jumpers planted on the left. Coach Jason Kidd was encouraged afterward.
“He’s ramping up,” Kidd said. “Everything is going well. Today he was going to get back into his routine and hopefully, as we go on this road trip, he can get out and play in a game or two.”
The upgrade to questionable on Wednesday — combined with Finley’s comments on Thursday — points toward a return in Orlando. Before going down, Flagg was averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 48.2% shooting across 49 games, leading Dallas in scoring and steals.
What Cooper Flagg’s Return Means for the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have had a different leading scorer in each of their last five games, reflecting how unsettled the roster has been since Flagg went down. His return gives Dallas its most complete player back in a lineup that has been stretched thin by injuries. Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Marvin Bagley III, and others have all missed time during the stretch.
Thursday is the second night of a back-to-back, and the Mavericks will likely manage Flagg’s minutes carefully if he does play. Getting him back on the floor in any capacity would be a step forward before the road trip hits its tougher legs — Boston on Friday, Toronto, Atlanta, and Memphis to follow.
If Flagg plays in Orlando, Friday in Boston becomes the more compelling watch. Flagg grew up in Newport, Maine, a short drive from TD Garden, and the Celtics game comes around just once a season. A homecoming game at full strength — after missing eight games — would be one of the better storylines of the road trip.
Rookie of the Year Race Enters a Key Stretch
Flagg’s return also matters in the Rookie of the Year race. He and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel — former Duke teammates and roommates — are the two frontrunners, and the gap closed slightly during Flagg’s absence. Knueppel is averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 48.9% shooting in 60 games. Flagg leads at 20.4 points but has played 11 fewer games. Knueppel had 13 points on 1-of-7 from three Tuesday against Dallas, one of the quieter games of his rookie season.
P.J. Washington, who played alongside Knueppel in Charlotte before the trade to Dallas, was asked about Flagg’s candidacy last week.
“I don’t have to say anything,” Washington said. “I think we all know Coop is a special player. He’s been doing his thing all year. Obviously, when he gets back, he’s going to do the same thing, and he’s going to continue to be special. We need him, and it shows.”
Tip-off Thursday is at 6 p.m. CT at Kia Center in Orlando.
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