The Dallas Mavericks have released their official injury report ahead of Friday night’s game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, and the headlining development is Cooper Flagg‘s name being absent from it entirely — just as Boston’s Jayson Tatum may be making his season debut on the same floor.
Friday’s matchup has no shortage of storylines. The Mavericks are wrapping up an 11th back-to-back set of the season on short rest after a 115-114 heartbreaker at Orlando on Thursday. The Celtics, meanwhile, are coming off a rare clunker — an 118-89 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday — and are looking to bounce back at home. With Tatum potentially suiting up for the first time this season and Flagg returning to the city he grew up near, the game carries weight well beyond the standings.
Dallas enters at 21-41, headed for the draft lottery. Boston sits at 41-21, second in the Eastern Conference. The Mavericks have lost 15 of their past 17 games, but have begun to get healthier, with the focus shifting to evaluating lineups and figuring out what the roster can look like beyond this season.
Cooper Flagg Not Listed, Jayson Tatum Set for Season Debut
Flagg, who returned from an eight-game absence Thursday in Orlando, is no longer listed after missing time with a left midfoot sprain. He played 26 minutes against the Magic, finishing with 18 points, five rebounds, six assists, and a career-high four blocks. The team’s leading scorer at 20.3 points per game, Flagg carries no minute restriction into Friday.
The timing sets up a compelling subplot. Tatum has been cleared and carries no injury designation for Friday, meaning he is expected to play in an NBA game for the first time since tearing his right Achilles in Game 4 of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals against New York. He has been practicing since Feb. 9 and has been full-go in 5-on-5 scrimmages since the All-Star break. The six-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist is averaging 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for his career.
Flagg grew up a three-hour drive from TD Garden in Newport, Maine, and has spoken about the significance of returning home. He is particularly aware of what Tatum’s comeback would mean.
“He was one of the guys I grew up watching, kind of modeled my game after,” Flagg said. “He’s special. His whole recovery has been nothing short of incredible. How hard he’s worked, you have to give him so much credit for being so driven. It’s a great opportunity. I think it’s going to be a really fun game. He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. And I’m excited to face off with him, for sure.”
Flagg added that the homecoming carries its own meaning beyond the opponent.
“I know there are going to be a lot of people showing up for me and showing support,” Flagg said. “I’m really excited to be up there for the first time and play in that arena. It’s really the only arena I went to as a little kid.”
Jason Kidd was measured in his assessment of Flagg’s return Thursday, noting he is still finding his footing after more than three weeks away. He also pointed to a late-game miscommunication between Flagg and Max Christie on the final possession as a byproduct of a roster still building chemistry.
“I thought for Coop, being out for over three weeks, I thought he looked good on both ends,” Kidd said. “He made plays down the stretch. Had some big blocks during the game. I think he’s trying to find his legs. I thought he got his legs in the second half.”
Daniel Gafford Doubtful, Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson Probable
Daniel Gafford is the most significant name on Dallas’ report. He is listed as doubtful with right ankle injury management after playing 25 minutes Thursday, finishing with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. The team’s leader in blocks at 1.3 per game, Gafford’s status will be worth monitoring closer to tip-off. Kidd acknowledged Thursday that the roster will likely look different in Boston.
“Tomorrow we’re going to look different,” Kidd said. “It’s just the nature of this situation, and until the end of the season.”
Brandon Williams, who sat out Thursday with a left quad contusion, is upgraded to probable for Friday. Williams has been productive in his opportunities this season, averaging 13.1 points per game, including an 18-point effort against Charlotte on Tuesday. Klay Thompson, who returned Thursday and scored 24 points on seven three-pointers, is also probable with his right adductor contusion. Thompson is shooting 38.4 percent from three on the season and has given Dallas a consistent scoring punch off the bench.
Thompson noted postgame what it meant to have a fuller roster taking the floor.
“It just felt good to have somewhat of a complete team,” Thompson said. “Injuries have been a tough part of the deal. It just felt great to have some numbers out there.”
Marvin Bagley III is an upgrade to doubtful with a neck sprain after being listed as out in recent games. He last played Feb. 26 against Sacramento, posting 10 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes. The three two-way players — Moussa Cissé, John Poulakidas, and Tyler Smith — are listed as questionable due to their G League assignments.
Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II remain out for the season, with Irving recovering from left knee surgery and Lively from right foot surgery. Both are on schedule to return next season.
Dallas Mavericks Series History Against Boston Celtics
Friday will be the second and final regular-season meeting between the two clubs. Boston won 110-100 in Dallas on Feb. 2, with Jaylen Brown posting 33 points and 11 rebounds. Flagg had 36 points in that contest.
On the full report, Thompson (right adductor contusion) and Williams (left quad contusion) are probable. Cissé, Poulakidas, and Smith are each questionable as the Mavericks navigate the limitations of two-way contract eligibility. Bagley (neck sprain) and Gafford (right ankle injury management) are doubtful. Irving (left knee surgery) and Lively (right foot surgery) are out.
Dallas and Boston tip off Friday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
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