Cooper Flagg, Klay Thompson Return vs. Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks Rest Naji Marshall
The Dallas Mavericks will regain two key rotation pieces Thursday night as they host the Charlotte Hornets, with Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson both returning after sitting out Wednesday’s 118–105 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dallas enters the second night of a back-to-back at 19–28, still navigating one of the league’s most challenging injury stretches. The Mavericks have leaned heavily on pace, depth and adaptability while waiting for healthier days, and Thursday offers a chance to reset after consecutive losses ended a recent four-game winning streak.
Flagg was held out Wednesday for left ankle injury management, while Thompson missed the game with left knee soreness. Both were upgraded to available following pregame evaluation against Charlotte.
Cooper Flagg Set to Return After Ankle Management
Flagg’s return follows a cautious approach by the Mavericks after the 19-year-old forward tweaked his ankle Jan. 14 against Denver. He briefly returned to the bench that night but did not re-enter the game, and Dallas has treated the injury as day to day since.
Despite the interruption, Flagg has already established himself as one of the Mavericks’ foundational pieces. Through 43 games, he is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while logging 33.8 minutes per night. His early impact has earned him two Rookie of the Month honors and a spot in the Castrol Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend.
Speaking after practice earlier this week, Flagg reflected on the Rising Stars selection and the perspective he has gained during a season shaped by opportunity and adversity.
“Yeah, it means a lot,” Flagg said. “I feel blessed. It’s kind of an outcome of all the work I’ve put in. Obviously, the way the season started and how things have gone, we wish some things would’ve gone better, but everything happens for a reason. I feel really blessed and honored.”
Flagg said increased responsibility has accelerated his development, particularly with the ball in his hands.
“I think just getting more comfortable handling the ball,” Flagg said. “Being on the floor more helps with that, getting thrown into the fire, figuring out spacing and stuff like that. There’s still a lot of work to do. I want to shoot better, keep getting more comfortable and confident with my shot. I believe in it, and I know I can shoot, so it’s about staying confident.”
Klay Thompson Back, Brandon Williams Also Upgraded
Thompson’s return restores a critical spacing element after Dallas struggled from the perimeter Wednesday, finishing 3-of-18 from three-point range. Thompson is averaging 11.7 points per game while shooting 38.0 percent from beyond the arc across 43 appearances this season.
Dallas also received a boost in the backcourt with Brandon Williams upgraded to available after initially being listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Williams has remained part of Jason Kidd’s short-handed rotation throughout the injury stretch, averaging 12.5 points and 3.7 assists in 22.2 minutes per game.
His availability gives Dallas another ball-handler as it continues to play at one of the fastest tempos in the NBA, a necessity born from missing multiple primary creators.
“We don’t have any stars in the game,” Kidd said earlier this week. “Cooper and the guys are playing fast, not waiting for anybody. They’re not looking to throw the ball to AD every time down the floor. They’re playing for each other.”
Naji Marshall Out After Heavy Workload
While Dallas regains Flagg and Thompson, it will be without Naji Marshall, who is out due to rest. Marshall had appeared in all 47 games this season prior to Thursday, serving as one of the Mavericks’ most reliable two-way contributors amid constant lineup turnover.
Marshall is averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists on the season, but his recent workload has been even heavier. Over his last 10 games, Marshall averaged 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while regularly drawing primary defensive attention.
Asked recently about handling an expanded offensive role, Marshall said the experience has given him insight into the demands faced by Dallas’ stars.
“It gives me an understanding of what Kai and PJ and Cooper and those guys go through,” Marshall said. “It’s tough — guys are playing real physical and aggressive — but I’m just trying to be there for my teammates, whatever they need. It’s an unfortunate situation with injuries, so I’m just trying to step up and fill in the blanks.”
Jason Kidd on Charlotte Hornets’ Youth and Rookie Matchup
Charlotte enters the matchup at 20–28, winners of four straight games and coming off a 112–97 road victory in Memphis. The Hornets have leaned on a young core led by Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel, who is averaging 18.6 points per game while shooting 42.1 percent from three-point range.
Kidd said Charlotte’s energy, pace and confidence stand out, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
“The young group over in Charlotte is playing extremely hard,” Kidd said. “You saw that last night. Understanding that KP is maybe getting a lot of the attention, but they have a young core. When you talk about Ball and Miller—don’t forget Miller, he’s young too. Those rookies are playing at a high level and helping them find a way to win. They’re playing fast, shooting a lot of threes, and they’re having fun.”
The game also features a notable rookie storyline, with Flagg facing Knueppel, his former Duke teammate and roommate.
“I think it’s just two friends that are going to compete,” Kidd said. “The perfect example is Zeke and Mark competing against each other, trying to help their teams win basketball games. Tonight it’s one roommate against the other. They were teammates at Duke University, and they’re talked about as one-two in the votes or favorites to win Rookie of the Year. This is an exciting time.”
Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel Adds Personal Stakes
Flagg acknowledged the personal significance of facing Knueppel, with whom he remains close after their season together at Duke.
“He’s been incredible,” Flagg said. “We were roommates last year, so we’ve stayed in touch even though it’s been really busy. Nothing he’s doing surprises me—I know what he’s capable of. It’s been really impressive, and I’m really happy for him.”
Flagg will also reunite with several former teammates during the Rising Stars game, an experience he said carries added meaning after sharing the draft process together.
“That would be really cool,” Flagg said. “Those are guys I played with, and just having that experience again would be special. When I got drafted, going through that with my teammates was really cool, so having another moment like that and sharing the court with them again would mean a lot.”
A Chance to Reset After Minnesota Loss
Dallas enters Thursday having lost two straight after a four-game winning streak, with Wednesday’s loss underscoring how thin the margin becomes without its primary creators. P.J. Washington showed encouraging signs by scoring all 21 of his points in the second half against Minnesota as he continues to regain rhythm following an ankle injury.
The past week also tested the Mavericks logistically. The team spent hours on the plane before its scheduled game in Milwaukee was postponed due to weather.
“It was tough,” Flagg said. “Obviously being stuck like that wasn’t great.”
Dallas remains without Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Danté Exum (right knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), leaving the Mavericks to continue balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term health.
With Flagg and Thompson back in the lineup, Thursday offers Dallas a chance to restore pace, spacing and composure before heading to Houston for the next leg of a demanding stretch.
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