Cooper Flagg is trending toward a return.The Dallas Mavericks rookie has been upgraded to questionable for Monday's matchup against the New York Knicks after missing two games with a left ankle sprain, giving the No. 1 overall pick a real chance to suit up at Madison Square Garden.
Flagg has been sidelined since Jan. 14, when he exited in the third quarter of a loss to the Denver Nuggets and did not return. He logged fewer than 15 minutes in that game, finishing with six points, one rebound, and one assist while clearly limited. Since then, the Mavericks have exercised caution, holding him out of back-to-back contests while his ankle responded to rest and treatment.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Flagg is expected to play, a notable development as Dallas looks to stabilize a depleted rotation. If Flagg is cleared, his return is expected to push Caleb Martin back to the bench and immediately restore a primary scoring and playmaking option to the lineup.
Before the injury, Flagg had been remarkably consistent through the first half of his rookie season. In 40 games, he's averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 47.8 percent from the field. Despite modest three-point efficiency, his overall impact has been undeniable, placing him firmly among the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year honors.
Dallas needs that production. The Mavericks will again be without Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain), D'Angelo Russell (illness), and P.J. Washington (personal reasons). Anthony Davis is likely out for the remainder of the regular season with a finger injury, and Kyrie Irving remains sidelined following knee surgery, with a potential return not expected until after the All-Star break.
Monday's matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden offers a high-profile setting, but Dallas will likely monitor Flagg closely if he plays. Still, even a controlled workload would be a positive sign.
For a Mavericks team navigating injuries and uncertainty, Flagg's upgrade is more than a status change, it's momentum. His availability signals progress, and for Dallas, that alone is a much-needed boost.
Newsweek