ORLANDO – Cooper Flagg is officially back.
The Mavericks rookie intends to return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center, a person familiar with the team’s decision-making confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.
Flagg missed the last eight games because of a left midfoot sprain he suffered on Nov. 10 against the Phoenix Suns, but he’s worked his way back to the court to help his team that went 2-6 over the last four weeks without him.
“It’s great,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “It’s been four weeks. He’s excited to get back to playing with his teammates and we’ll see how tonight goes.”
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Dallas upgraded Flagg to doubtful for Tuesday’s loss to Charlotte and subsequently listed him as questionable for Thursday’s game in Orlando. Flagg is expected to be on a restriction of 20 to 25 minutes with the hope that he progresses for more usage in Friday’s game at TD Garden against the Boston Celtics, the team he grew up rooting for in Newport, Maine.
Flagg is on the cusp of a new milestone upon his return. He has 999 career points and will reach the 1,000-point mark with his next successful field goal or free throw. Flagg had 27 points and five rebounds in the last game he played on Nov. 10, which marked his 24th career game with at least 20 points. He tied Kobe Bryant (24) for the sixth-most 20-point games in NBA history by a teenager.
Flagg has ramped up on the court in recent weeks. He completed an individual workout the last time the Mavericks held practice at Butler University on Feb. 23 and went through his pregame routine on Tuesday in Charlotte.
The Mavericks are also expected to welcome Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson back to the lineup for Thursday’s game in Orlando. Marshall missed the last two games with a right finger contusion, while Thompson missed Tuesday’s loss with a right adductor contusion.
Dallas, which entered Thursday at 21-40, the seventh-worst record in the NBA, remains destined for a second straight appearance in the draft lottery, but Flagg has a chance to improve his strong case for the Rookie of the Year award now that he’s back in the lineup.
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