Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has been ruled out for his fifth consecutive game due to a left midfoot sprain, according to Marc Stein, as the 2025 first overall pick has slipped to second behind Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel in the Rookie Ladder rankings during his absence.
Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season. Head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg is making progress in practice but indicated there is no urgency to rush his return, particularly with Dallas sitting at 21-36 after a 10-game losing streak.
Mavericks missing Flagg’s production with P.J. Washington and Khris Middleton also sidelined
Flagg’s absence has compounded an already difficult injury situation in Dallas. P.J. Washington is sidelined with a left ankle sprain and Khris Middleton is listed as questionable with a right shoulder strain. Without Flagg, the Mavericks lose their primary scorer and playmaker — he totaled 43 points, 11 assists, and 14 rebounds across two games against the Kings earlier this season.
Dallas is well outside playoff contention, which reduces the incentive to push Flagg back before the midfoot sprain has fully healed. The Mavericks’ record positions them for a high draft pick, and protecting Flagg’s long-term health aligns with the franchise’s timeline more than chasing wins in late February.
65-game rule does not apply to Rookie of the Year, keeping Flagg eligible despite missed time
The NBA’s 65-game requirement for award eligibility does not apply to Rookie of the Year, which keeps Flagg in the race even as he misses extended time. However, the games missed have allowed Knueppel to move ahead in the Rookie Ladder, and continued absence would give other candidates more opportunities to build their cases through the final stretch of the season.
Flagg’s per-game production remains among the strongest for any rookie this season, but availability is part of the evaluation. The Mavericks’ approach suggests they are willing to accept short-term consequences in the standings and in the award race to ensure Flagg is healthy for the remainder of the season and beyond.