Cooper Flagg Injury Update
Cooper Flagg is good to go for the Mavericks' matchup against the Pelicans. Dallas coach Jason Kidd dropped the good news right before tip-off on Monday night, confirming the rookie sensation would suit up despite that nagging back contusion listed on the NBA injury report.
Flagg turned 19 just days earlier, and yeah, landing on the report on his birthday wasn't the vibe anyone wanted picture blowing out candles one minute, then icing your back the next. Dallas Mavericks on X celebrated Cooper Flagg turning 19, calling him just getting started. Happy birthday wishes pour in for the young hoops phenom, Coop!
But Kidd called him a "tough kid," the kind who logs heavy minutes without complaint, fresh off a 24-point explosion against the 76ers where he played 36-plus. Fans searching "is Cooper Flagg playing tonight" can exhale; he's available, keeping Dallas's frontcourt punch intact on the road.
That back issue popped up after Saturday's loss in Philly, where Flagg still balled out despite needing a heating pad mid-game. The Mavericks are banged up bad eight players on the report, including Klay Thompson (probable with knee soreness, also cleared), Max Christie out with illness, and big absences like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II. It's a meat grinder for a team sitting 11-18, scraping for play-in hopes in the loaded West.
Flagg's status swung everything because he's become this 19-year-old fulcrum, the No. 1 pick from the 2025 draft who's already drawing defensive schemes like a vet. New Orleans, on a four-game heater at 7-22? They're no joke, especially holding foes to few threes. Flagg's been ice-cold from deep lately 0-for-4 last time versus them, and just 23.4% overall this season.
Prop bet folks eyeing his under 0.5 threes made at +139 odds aren't wrong; the kid's not forcing it, smartly slashing instead.Mavs PR (@MavsPR) posted on X about the latest Mavs injury update ahead of the NOP game. Fans tune in for key player status as Dallas preps for the matchup.
Dig into his rookie stats, and it's no wonder he's the ROTY favorite across sportsbooks. Through 28 games (missing just one), he's posting 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 47.8% field goals and 83% free throws.
That's efficient, two-way dominance for a small forward still ironing out the jumper. He's dropped 22-plus in his last four, including that Philly heater where he carried the load sans Irving. Dallas hoped for a cornerstone when they grabbed him first overall, and he's delivering amid a rocky year that's got the franchise direction feeling wobbly. Remember his debut? Slashing through vets like it was college all over again at Duke, but now with NBA speed. Opponents game-plan around him now, which cracks open shots for others classic star ripple effect.
The Pelicans tilt adds stakes, with tip at 8 p.m. ET from Smoothie King Center. Catch it on Gulf Coast Sports Network, MyNetworkTV, or Fubo streams (Dallas folks, check KFAA-TV or Mavs.com). Mavericks as 1.5-point dogs makes sense NOLA's turning their nightmare start around, and Dallas needs wins bad post-Philly. Flagg playing means their usual frontcourt flows; sit him (first night of a back-to-back), and it's reshuffle city with Cisse or Kelly stepping up from G League deals. Thompson's green light helps spacing too no loading up on Flagg if Klay's bombing. It's these injury tightropes that turn good teams middling, and Dallas feels every step.
Flagg's durability stands out in a league full of load management. Only one DNPC in 28 games? That's old-school grit, the sort that earns locker room love. Kidd leaning on him speaks volumes he's not just potential; he's producing now, guarding wings, switching, providing weak-side help that lifts the whole floor energy. Perimeter shot's a WIP, sure, but who cares when he's this versatile? Mavericks view him as rebuild centerpiece, the guy around whom everything builds.
If he shakes this contusion clean next up Tuesday versus Denver Nuggets watch the buzz amp up. NBA.com's already hyping his "historic start," and with Dallas desperate for bright spots, Flagg's the flame. MFFL on X highlighted nine NBA players earning A or A+ grades in midrange, finishing, and playmaking.Rookie Cooper Flagg stands out as the lone newcomer in that elite group
One quirky aside: guy's birthday gift from the universe was a questionable tag, but he laughed it off in shootaround, heating pad and all. Reminds you of those rookie tales like a young Luka battling through tweaks to steal games. Flagg's not there yet, but close enough to dream on. If he drops 20-plus again tonight, it's fuel for the fire; if the back flares, well, rest him for Christmas hoops. Either way, this kid's arrived, back bruise or not, giving Mavericks fans that rare hope in a 11th-place slog.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on publicly available team reports, league injury listings, and performance data at the time of writing. Player availability, statistics, and betting lines are subject to change without notice. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, betting, or professional advice.
