Cooper Flagg
35Breakdown
Performance
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January 20, 2026
Puts up 18 points in return
Flagg (ankle) tallied 18 points (7-14 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal across 28 minutes Monday in the Mavericks' 114-97 win over the Knicks.
Analysis
Flagg was back in action Monday after the left ankle sprain that he sustained in last Wednesday's loss to the Nuggets had kept him out for two straight games. The standout rookie slid back into the starting five at point guard but took on a more subdued role on offense than usual, as he finished third behind teammates Max Christie (26 points) and Naji Marshall (19 points) in scoring. Flagg was also eased back in with a slightly lighter workload than normal -- he averages 33.9 minutes per game for the season -- but look for his playing time to pick up in the Mavericks' next game Thursday versus the Warriors.
January 19, 2026
Good to go Monday
Flagg (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the Knicks.
Analysis
Flagg officially has the green light to return from a two-game absence. With this news, Caleb Martin is likely to shift back to the second unit for Dallas.
January 19, 2026
Expected to play Monday
Flagg (ankle) is expected to play in Monday's game against the Knicks, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.
Analysis
The stage is set for the rookie No. 1 overall pick to end a two-game absence with an ankle sprain. Flagg's return is likely to send Caleb Martin to the bench Monday.
January 18, 2026
Game-time call for Monday
Flagg (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Knicks.
Analysis
Flagg has missed two straight contests while nursing a left ankle sprain but has a chance to return to the court Monday. His questionable tag is a clear improvement after being labeled as doubtful ahead of Saturday's matchup before ultimately being ruled out.
January 17, 2026
Officially out vs. Jazz
Flagg (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Utah.
Analysis
Flagg will miss a second consecutive matchup while dealing with a left ankle sprain. Expect Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams to play a key role in the Dallas rotation again Saturday as a result.
January 16, 2026
Doubtful for Saturday
Flagg (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis
Flagg is likely to miss his second straight game after sustaining a sprained left ankle in Wednesday's loss to the Nuggets. If the rookie No. 1 overall pick is ultimately ruled out, Caleb Martin and Ryan Nembhard would be candidates for increased playing time.
January 15, 2026
Won't go Thursday
Flagg (ankle) is out for Thursday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis
Flagg has officially been ruled out for Thursday's clash due to a left ankle sprain. This will be his first absence since Nov. 19 and just his second of his rookie season. Flagg's next chance to return will arrive Saturday, also against Utah.
January 15, 2026
Doubtful for Thursday
Flagg (ankle) is doubtful for Thursday's game against Utah.
Analysis
This is hardly a surprise after the rookie left Wednesday's game early with a noticeable limp. All signs point to the Mavericks being cautious. In the meantime, it's likely that Caleb Martin, Brandon Williams and Klay Thompson will step into larger roles Thursday, and possibly Ryan Nembhard.
January 15, 2026
Won't return with ankle injury
Flagg (ankle) will not return to Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Analysis
Flagg exited at the 6:01 mark of the second quarter, briefly returned before halftime, but has now been ruled out for the second half due to a left ankle sprain. An ankle issue also sidelined the rookie briefly Monday, though he was able to return and finish that game, unlike Wednesday. With Flagg done for the night, Klay Thompson, Ryan Nembhard and Caleb Martin could see expanded roles down the stretch.
January 15, 2026
Returns to action Wednesday
Flagg (ankle) has returned to Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, per the broadcast.
Analysis
Flagg exited at the 6:01 mark of the second quarter with an ankle injury and went to the locker room but was able to return to action before the end of the first half. His status will continue to be monitored, and if any discomfort resurfaces for the star rookie, Klay Thompson, Ryan Nembhard and Caleb Martin could see expanded roles in Flagg's place.