The Dallas Mavericks have received medical clearance for forward Cooper Flagg to return from his left midfoot sprain, with the rookie suiting up for Thursday night’s matchup against the Orlando Magic.
The 19-year-old first-year player will make his comeback after being sidelined for eight consecutive games. Flagg, who was selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, took part in portions of Tuesday’s practice session and saw his status improve from doubtful on Tuesday to questionable heading into Thursday’s contest.
Team officials plan to limit Flagg’s playing time as he transitions back to full game action while continuing his recovery process.
According to ESPN, the Mavericks are contemplating having Flagg participate in Friday’s road game in Boston, which would mark a homecoming of sorts for the Newport, Maine native who cheered for the Celtics growing up.
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd discussed the rookie’s progress earlier this week, stating: “He’s ramping up. Everything is going well. [Tuesday] was to kind of get back in his routine and hopefully as we go on this road trip he can get in and play a game or two.”
The injury occurred during Dallas’s February 10th road defeat against the Phoenix Suns, forcing Flagg to miss the Rising Stars showcase during All-Star Weekend festivities.
Following an impressive single season at Duke that culminated in a Final Four appearance, Flagg is positioned to join an elite group of NBA rookies. He’s on track to become only the fourth first-year player since the ABA-NBA merger to post averages of at least 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, joining Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic in that exclusive company.
Through 49 games as a starter entering Thursday’s action, Flagg has compiled impressive statistics of 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest.
