Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) (Image via AP Photo/LM Otero) Cooper Flagg will not be available for the Dallas Mavericks when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 1, 2026. The rookie forward is still recovering from a left midfoot sprain and remains out as the team continues to take a cautious approach with his return.This absence comes at a difficult time for Dallas, which is already dealing with multiple injuries and a poor run of form at home. Against a Thunder team that has been one of the most consistent sides in the Western Conference, the Mavericks enter this matchup short-handed and under pressure.
Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game context and current form (March 1, 2026)
The Mavericks, sitting at 21-38, host the 46-15 Thunder at the American Airlines Center with tip-off scheduled around 7 p.m. CT. Dallas is currently on a seven-game home losing streak and has struggled to stay competitive during this stretch.Oklahoma City has already beaten Dallas twice this season, including a 21-point win in December. In that game, Flagg managed 16 points, showing his ability to contribute even in tough matchups. This time, however, the Mavericks will have to manage without him as they try to avoid another defeat.
Cooper Flagg’s injury status and recovery timeline vs Oklahoma City Thunder (March 1, 2026)
Cooper Flagg picked up the midfoot sprain on February 10 in a game against the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he has missed seven straight games and was also unavailable for the All-Star Rising Stars event.There has been some progress, as he is no longer using a walking boot. Still, the team has not set a clear return date. Head coach Jason Kidd described the situation as uncertain, indicating that Flagg’s availability remains unclear beyond this game as well.Before the injury, the No. 1 overall pick had been one of the standout rookies this season. Across 49 appearances, he averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He also ranked second among rookies in total points, underlining his importance to the team’s plans.
Full Dallas Mavericks injury report vs OKC Thunder (March 1, 2026)
Dallas enters the game with several key players ruled out, while others remain doubtful or questionable. The roster limitations leave the coaching staff with fewer rotation options.PlayerStatusInjury Cooper Flagg Out Left midfoot sprain Kyrie Irving Out Left knee surgery Dereck Lively II Out Right foot surgery Marvin Bagley III Out Neck sprain PJ Washington Doubtful Ankle sprain Naji Marshall Questionable Finger contusion Caleb Martin Questionable Back soreness
How Cooper Flagg’s absence affects Dallas Mavericks against OKC
Without Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks lose a key scoring and playmaking option. His ability to impact both ends of the floor has been central to the team, and his absence adds to the strain caused by other injuries.The Mavericks have lost 12 of their last 14 games, and this stretch has slowed any progress in their rebuilding effort. On the other side, Oklahoma City comes in with strong depth and a balanced lineup. Even with some injuries of their own, they remain well-positioned to take advantage of Dallas’ current situation.Also read: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 1, 2026)With limited options, Dallas may need increased contributions from players such as Klay Thompson, Khris Middleton, and Tyus Jones. Still, given the gap in form and availability, the Thunder enter this matchup with a clear edge unless the Mavericks can put together an unexpected performance.