LOS ANGELES — Cooper Flagg took slightly longer than usual to go through his postgame routine after Tuesday’s loss at Phoenix.
The Mavericks rookie needed extra time in the locker room to soak his left foot in a red bucket of ice before fulfilling his media duties.
On Wednesday, Flagg received an MRI in Los Angeles that revealed a left midfoot sprain, which will cause him to miss Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2026 Rising Stars game.
Flagg was the only Mavericks player scheduled to represent the franchise during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, Calif, but the annual showcase between the best rookies, sophomores and G League players will go on without the No. 1 overall pick.
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Flagg has appeared in 49 out of the Mavericks’ 53 games this season while playing through several ticky-tacky injuries. He will receive nine full days of rest during the All-Star break before Dallas returns to play at Minnesota on Feb. 20.
The time off will serve as a well-deserved break for Flagg, who’s the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award. He’s averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals.
Despite the foot injury, Flagg finished Tuesday’s game with 27 points and five rebounds. He’ll have the opportunity to eclipse a significant milestone in his first game upon his return since he currently sits at 999 career points, just one shy of 1,000.
Flagg isn’t the only player who will miss Thursday’s game against the Lakers. Luka Doncic is sidelined for his fourth consecutive game because of a left hamstring strain. It will mark the first time the former Mavericks star won’t be available to play against his former team. The Lakers are 4-0 against the Mavericks since the trade.
Naji Marshall (left foot strain) and Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain) are questionable, while Klay Thompson will return to the lineup after a night of rest in Phoenix.
Flagg won’t be able to participate in this year’s Rising Stars game, but he remains eligible to return to make his debut in the event during his sophomore season in 2027.
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