Executive summary: Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has been diagnosed with a left midfoot sprain, forcing him to miss Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers and the upcoming Castrol Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend. The injury, sustained in a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, sidelines the No. 1 overall pick through the break, with an expected return shortly after.
Flagg, the 19-year-old forward who was the top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, suffered the sprain during the Mavericks’ 120-111 defeat at Phoenix on Tuesday night. Despite the injury, he managed to score 27 points in 36 minutes, showcasing his resilience and talent. An MRI conducted on Wednesday confirmed the diagnosis, leading the team to announce his absence from key upcoming engagements.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Flagg was set to participate in the Castrol Rising Stars game, a highlight of All-Star Weekend that features the league’s top young talent. His withdrawal marks a significant loss for the event, where he was expected to be a marquee attraction alongside other rising stars. The Mavericks confirmed via their public relations team that Flagg will not only miss the Lakers game but also the Rising Stars competition on Friday.
In his rookie season, Flagg has been a standout performer, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 49 games. He recently set an NBA record for a teenager with four consecutive games of at least 30 points, including a single-game teen record of 49 points against the Charlotte Hornets. This streak highlighted his offensive prowess and made him a front-runner for Rookie of the Year honors.
The injury comes during a challenging period for the Mavericks, who are mired in an eight-game losing streak. During this skid, Flagg has been a bright spot, averaging 29.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, demonstrating his ability to carry the team offensively. However, the team’s struggles have been compounded by recent roster moves, including the trade of veteran Anthony Davis, which has left them reliant on young talent like Flagg.
With the All-Star break providing a respite, Flagg is expected to use the time to recover and be available for the Mavericks’ first post-break game on February 20 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team has indicated that further updates will be provided as appropriate, but sources suggest the injury is not severe and should not impact his long-term availability. This aligns with typical midfoot sprain recoveries, which often require rest and rehabilitation.
Flagg’s absence from the Rising Stars game opens a spot for another young player, potentially adding intrigue to the event’s lineup. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will need to adjust their strategy against the Lakers without their star rookie, relying on other contributors to step up in his place. The injury underscores the physical demands of the NBA schedule and the importance of managing player health, especially for promising talents like Flagg.
Looking ahead, Flagg’s recovery will be closely monitored as the Mavericks aim to turn their season around after the break. His return could provide a boost in their push for a playoff spot, though their current record of 19-34 poses significant challenges. For now, fans and analysts alike will miss seeing him in action during All-Star festivities, but his focus will be on returning stronger for the remainder of the season.
