The Dallas Mavericks will be without Cooper Flagg for at least Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, along with NBA All-Star Weekend.
Flagg suffered a left midfoot sprain during Tuesday’s 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis, and he has been ruled out for Thursday’s road game against the Los Angeles Lakers as well as Friday’s 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event.
The injury adds to a growing list of availability concerns for a Mavericks team attempting to halt an eight-game losing streak before the break.
MRI Confirms Midfoot Sprain for Cooper Flagg
Flagg exited Tuesday’s game after playing 36 minutes and finishing with 27 points and five rebounds. He shot 8-of-20 from the field and went 11-of-14 from the free-throw line, continuing an aggressive stretch offensively despite Dallas falling into a 31-point deficit earlier in the contest.
An MRI conducted after the game confirmed a left midfoot sprain. The Mavericks have officially ruled him out against the Lakers, and the injury will also sideline him for the Rising Stars showcase.
The early sentiment is that Flagg’s injury is not expected to cause a long-term absence. He will have the All-Star break to recover before the Mavericks return to action on Feb. 20 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center to begin a three-game road trip.
Impact on the Dallas Mavericks’ Rotation
Flagg has played in 49 games this season, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 34.1 minutes per game. He is shooting 48.2% from the field, 30.2% from three-point range and 80.4% from the free-throw line, posting a 56.0% true shooting percentage.
He leads Dallas in scoring and has totaled 999 points, 321 rebounds and 202 assists, while also contributing 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per contest.
Without Flagg, the Mavericks lose their primary offensive engine. The burden could shift further to players such as Naji Marshall and P. J. Washington — though Marshall’s availability is also uncertain. Marshall (left foot strain) is listed as questionable, as is Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain).
Dallas has already been managing longer-term absences, and Flagg’s injury compounds a rotation that has lacked continuity in recent weeks.
One positive development is the return of Klay Thompson from rest, giving the Mavericks an additional perimeter scoring option. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton could see an expanded role as he continues acclimating to the team following last week’s trade. Middleton’s playmaking and veteran presence become even more important with Flagg sidelined.
What Comes Next
The Mavericks have not provided a timetable beyond ruling Flagg out for Thursday and Friday. Midfoot sprains can vary in severity, and further evaluation is expected during the All-Star break.
For Dallas, the immediate priority becomes stabilizing its lineup and regaining momentum once play resumes. Flagg’s absence removes the team’s leading scorer at a time when the margin for error has already been thin, and with additional injury questions still looming.
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