The Dallas Mavericks listed Cooper Flagg as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team continues to manage a left ankle issue rather than forcing a return.

Flagg had been listed doubtful for Sunday’s scheduled game in Milwaukee, but the Mavericks never took the floor after travel complications prevented them from reaching the city, prompting the NBA to postpone the matchup against the Bucks. The unexpected break provided additional recovery time, though not enough certainty for Dallas to fully clear Flagg ahead of the next game.

Following Tuesday’s practice at American Airlines Center, head coach Jason Kidd offered a brief update.

“Flagg participated in some of the stuff,” Kidd said.

Cooper Flagg’s Workload Remains Controlled

Flagg took part in portions of practice but did not complete a full workload. He stayed on the floor afterward to get additional stationary shots up, signaling progress without pushing into game-speed demands.

Most players who appeared on the Mavericks’ lengthy injury report for Sunday’s postponed game have since returned to full participation. Flagg remains the lone rotation player still being handled with restraint, underscoring the team’s intent to be methodical rather than reactive.

The shift from doubtful to questionable is incremental, but meaningful. Dallas’ injury report has otherwise stabilized after ballooning during a back-to-back stretch, leaving Flagg’s status as the primary variable as the team prepares for Minnesota.

Through 43 games this season, Flagg has been one of Dallas’ most heavily leaned-on players, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.8 minutes per game. He has started every appearance, shooting 47.3% from the field while consistently drawing top defensive assignments.

That workload helps frame the Mavericks’ approach. Flagg has logged at least 30 minutes in 36 games and has already recorded six double-doubles, often functioning as a connective piece within lineups that have shifted due to injuries elsewhere on the roster. The decision to manage his ankle reflects both his usage and his importance.

Rising Stars Recognition for Cooper Flagg

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability, Flagg spoke with reporters after practice about being named to the Rising Stars Challenge rookie pool for the event during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

“Yeah, it means a lot. I feel blessed,” Flagg said. “It’s kind of an outcome of all the work I’ve put in. Obviously, the way the season started and how things have gone, we wish some things would’ve gone better, but everything happens for a reason. I feel really blessed and honored.”

Flagg also acknowledged how meaningful it would be to share that stage with familiar faces from earlier in his career.

“That would be really cool,” he said. “Those are guys I played with, and just having that experience again would be special.”

Travel Disruptions Shape the Dallas Mavericks’ Week

Dallas’ schedule took an unusual turn after Saturday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, when the team attempted to fly to Milwaukee late that night. Multiple attempts continued into Sunday afternoon before officials determined conditions were unsafe, leading the league to postpone the game.

“It was tough,” Flagg said. “Obviously, being stuck like that wasn’t great.”

Kidd emphasized that safety and recovery guided the decision.

“We looked at the rest and put safety first,” Kidd said. “The league postponed the game, so we did not travel to Milwaukee. We stayed here, and now we’re focused on Minnesota and Charlotte.”

Preparing for the Minnesota Timberwolves

The Mavericks enter Wednesday coming off a 116-110 loss to the Lakers, a game in which Luka Dončić scored 33 points with 11 assists as Los Angeles erased a 15-point deficit late. LeBron James delivered 11 fourth-quarter points, while Max Christie led Dallas with 24 points and Naji Marshall added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Dallas had pushed its lead to 15 in the second half before the Lakers’ late surge snapped the Mavericks’ four-game winning streak.

Whether Flagg is cleared or not, Kidd is clear about the challenge ahead.

“You look at Anthony Edwards—he’s one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “He causes problems from the three-point line and getting to the rim. Our defense will be tested against the Minnesota Timberwolves.”

Flagg’s final status is expected to be determined closer to tipoff, with Dallas continuing to favor measured progress over urgency.

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