Cooper Flagg is expected to return to the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Orlando Magic, according to Marc Stein.
The 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick has missed eight games with a left midfoot sprain.
Flagg was upgraded to doubtful for Dallas’ loss on Tuesday to the Charlotte Hornets, and then originally listed as questionable for the Magic game. The expectation is that he will be eased in on Thursday night before seeing an uptick in minutes Friday at the Boston Celtics.
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The Mavericks won only two of the eight games they played without Flagg during this most-recent injury. He also missed time with a sprained ankle and illness.
Through 49 games this season, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. With 21 games remaining in the regular season, Dallas is 21-40.
Flagg’s absences this season has affected his status as front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year.
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