Dallas Mavericks Rule Out Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson Against Minnesota Timberwolves
The Dallas Mavericks continue to manage Cooper Flagg’s availability as the rookie forward works through left ankle injury management while earning early league-wide recognition.
Flagg was injured Jan. 14 during a loss to the Denver Nuggets. He returned briefly to the bench after tweaking the ankle but did not re-enter the game, and Dallas subsequently held him out of the rotation as a precaution.
Despite being just 19 years old, Flagg has quickly emerged as one of the Mavericks’ most important contributors. Through his first 42 games, the former Duke standout is averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, production that earned him two Rookie of the Month honors earlier this season and placed him among the league’s most impactful first-year players.
At 19, Flagg is already a consistent starter. Regardless of how his ankle continues to respond, projecting Jason Kidd’s team to make a significant climb in the standings remains uncertain given the Mavericks’ current position. For those tracking the broader championship picture, fans looking to bet on their favorites for the 2026 NBA title can check the latest offers here with sportsbooks currently featuring incentives tied to futures markets.
Cooper Flagg Ruled Out With Ankle Injury Management
Jason Kidd said Wednesday that Cooper Flagg (left ankle injury management) and Klay Thompson (left knee soreness) have been ruled out for the Mavericks’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The decision reflects Dallas’ continued emphasis on caution as it balances player health against a demanding stretch of the schedule. When asked whether either player could return for the second night of the back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets, Kidd did not offer a firm timeline.
“We’ll see,” Kidd said. “Hopefully they’re back tomorrow.”
Dallas has continued to treat Flagg’s injury as day to day, leaving flexibility as the team evaluates how his ankle responds to treatment. His availability for Charlotte will be determined on Thursday, and the Mavericks must determine if any kind of minutes restriction would apply if he returns.
Rising Stars Recognition Adds to Cooper Flagg’s Season
Flagg’s absence comes shortly after receiving the first of what are expected to be many All-Star-related honors. He was named Monday to the Castrol Rising Stars game, part of All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
“It means a lot,” Flagg said Tuesday. “I feel blessed. It’s kind of an outcome of the work I’ve put in. And obviously, the way things have gone, obviously, I wish they’d have gone a lot better. But everything happens for a reason.”
The recognition arrives as Dallas has played more competitive basketball after opening the season 5–15. The Mavericks are 14–12 since then, a stretch that has included Anthony Davis missing 12 games.
Flagg will participate in the Rising Stars game on Feb. 13, where he is expected to reunite with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and longtime friend Derik Queen from Montverde Academy.
“That’ll be really cool,” Flagg said. “Having that experience of getting drafted with my teammates and now it’ll be cool having that experience to play with them again.”
Kidd praised Flagg’s first half of the season while acknowledging the recognition.
“It’s well deserved with what he’s done in the first half of the season to represent himself and the Mavs in the Rising Stars game,” Kidd said.
Dallas Mavericks Face Potential Measuring Stick
Dallas returned to action Wednesday following an unscheduled three-day break after its game Sunday at Milwaukee was postponed due to winter weather affecting air travel. The Mavericks never left Dallas, resulting in their longest break between games since early December.
“Safety first,” Kidd said. “They postponed the game. We’re here and we got Minnesota and Charlotte at home.”
Minnesota enters the matchup after a 108–83 win over Golden State on Monday, a game in which the Warriors were without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford. Anthony Edwards missed the game with a right foot issue and is listed as questionable, though Dallas is operating under the assumption he will return.
“Ant is one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “He causes some problems. We just played Luka (Dončić). Understand, they can take over a game so our defense will be tested.”
This is the second of four meetings between the teams. Minnesota won the first matchup 120–96 on Nov. 17, with Naz Reid scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds off the bench.
The rookie’s stats continue to illustrate why Dallas has prioritized caution as it manages Flagg’s health, viewing him as a foundational piece both for the remainder of this season and beyond.
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