Cooper Flagg playing tonight? Mavs star might miss his debut

Jeremy Beren

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Is Cooper Flagg playing tonight? Why the Mavs star could miss his first-ever NBA game image

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

TL;DR

  • Dallas Mavericks roster altered by Luka Doncic trade and top pick Cooper Flagg.
  • Mavericks started season 8-11, leading to GM Nico Harrison's dismissal.
  • Cooper Flagg questionable for Wednesday's game against New York Knicks due to illness.
  • Flagg is second-highest scorer for Mavericks, averaging 15.5 points per game.

The hits just keep on coming for the Dallas Mavericks.

Initially, February saw the Luka Doncic trade, dramatically and jarringly altering the Mavericks' roster, which had seemed Finals-worthy. Subsequently, winning the NBA Draft Lottery brought the joy of securing the top pick to select Duke's star, Cooper Flagg. However, any aspirations of contending at the highest level in 2025/26 seemed to vanish when Dallas began the season with eight defeats in their first eleven contests.

Amid the franchise's long-gestating dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison, the Mavericks are hitting the reset button and appear poised to build around Flagg, who has spent a good portion of his rookie year playing at point guard under head coach Jason Kidd. But a national audience may not get to see the 18-year-old showcase his talents against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Flagg's availability is uncertain due to sickness.

The Mavericks have downgraded Flagg to "questionable" for Wednesday night's showdown in Dallas, which is being aired on ESPN.

Flagg is dealing with an illness, and it is possible that he misses the first game of his NBA career against the Knicks -- whose star guard Jalen Brunson is also carrying a "questionable" designation.

Despite the Mavericks' 4-11 record and the NBA's 30th-ranked offense based on offensive rating, Flagg is demonstrating his genuine talent as he adjusts to the rigors of professional basketball, including playing in an unfamiliar role.

Flagg ranks as Dallas' second-highest scorer, averaging 15.5 points per game while shooting a solid 45.5 percent from the field. He achieved a personal best of 26 points last Monday during a 116-114 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, a loss that ultimately led to Harrison's dismissal as GM.

At this initial point, Flagg is also showcasing his defensive contributions, averaging 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 "stocks" (combining steals and blocks) each game.

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