Dallas Mavericks NBA New Orleans Pelicans

Cooper Flagg Headlines Lengthy Injury Report As Dallas Mavericks Face New Orleans Pelicans

Grant AfsethDecember 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks enter Monday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans with availability once again shaping the conversation, as the team continues to navigate a compressed schedule and a growing list of health considerations.

Dallas is coming off a 121–114 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, the opening leg of a six-game stretch that includes five road contests. At 11–18, the Mavericks are operating with a thinner margin for error, making clarity on who is available — and in what capacity — especially critical.

Cooper Flagg Managing Back Issue

Rookie Cooper Flagg is listed as questionable with a back contusion after icing his back to get through the Philadelphia game. Flagg played through the issue Saturday, finishing with 24 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but the team will closely monitor his status.

Flagg’s presence would be sorely missed if he’s unable to play in New Orleans. He’s stepped up his game significantly lately, averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his last 10 games.

Ahead of his 19th birthday, Flagg’s answer about his birthday plans signaled his focus on getting his body right enough to play against the Pelicans.

“We’re flying out to New Orleans — just resting up, getting my body right and getting ready for another one,” Flagg said.

Klay Thompson Continues To Manage Knee Soreness

Klay Thompson is also listed as questionable with left knee soreness, though the veteran has already managed the issue earlier in the road trip. Thompson was not present at shootaround at the start of the trip but ultimately played through the soreness.

Thompson has averaged 10.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 27 games this season, providing steady spacing and secondary scoring within Dallas’ rotation.

In Saturday’s loss to Philadelphia, Thompson logged 18 minutes, scoring 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting, including 1-of-7 from three-point range. He added one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block. Thompson’s status Monday will again depend on how the knee responds, with the Mavericks continuing to manage his workload on a game-by-game basis.

Max Christie Questionable With Illness

Max Christie is listed as questionable due to illness after appearing in Saturday’s game. Christie logged 14 minutes against the 76ers and finished scoreless, missing both of his shot attempts while recording one steal as Dallas’ rotation tightened late.

The Mavericks will evaluate Christie’s condition closer to tipoff, particularly with the team facing another road environment against a Pelicans group playing with renewed energy.

Christie has averaged 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 29 games this season, providing Dallas with additional perimeter depth when available.

Kyrie Irving’s Progress Becomes Key to Watch

Dallas will again be without several key rotation players.

Kyrie Irving remains out following left knee surgery, though he traveled with the team to Philadelphia and appeared to go through a workout after the open viewing portion of shootaround at the arena.

Dereck Lively II and Danté Exum are both out for the season, sidelined by right foot surgery and right knee surgery, respectively. Their long-term absences have reshaped Dallas’ frontcourt rotation and limited backcourt flexibility during the second half of the season.

Two-Way Availability: Miles Kelly, Moussa Cissé

Two-way players Miles Kelly and Moussa Cissé are both listed as questionable due to G League status.

Kelly played Sunday for the Texas Legends in the G League Winter Showcase, leading the team with 25 points on 5-of-11 shooting from three in a 120–112 loss to the Delaware Blue Coats. His participation places his NBA availability in question for Monday, depending on roster logistics.

Cissé’s status will also depend on two-way activation decisions as Dallas finalizes its game-day roster.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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