The Dallas Mavericks have struggled to find their footing this season without Luka Dončić, but rookie Cooper Flagg has been a rare bright spot. Now, with Flagg appearing on the injury report ahead of important back-to-back matchups, his availability has become a key concern for a team fighting to stay in play in contention.
Will Cooper Flagg Tonight Against The Pelicans Tonight?
Flagg, who turned 19 on Sunday, was enjoying an impressive start to his rookie campaign, appearing in all but one game this season. However, he appeared on the NBA’s injury report with a back contusion and was listed as questionable for Monday night’s road game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
A back contusion is essentially a bruise to the muscles or soft tissue in the back, usually caused by a direct blow or impact. While often painful, it’s generally considered a minor injury and doesn’t usually require extended time off, though it can limit mobility and affect performance depending on severity.
Flagg didn’t appear to have any health concerns on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers, logging 24 points in 37 minutes of playing time, suggesting that the contusion may not be severe enough to force him to miss Monday’s game, and possibly related to his heavy workload.
Since being drafted first overall in 2025, Flagg has carried a massive load for Dallas, frequently rotating between forward and emergency point guard duties. The physical toll began to show in late October during a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he still managed to return after just one game.
Despite the bumps and bruises, Flagg has demonstrated why he was so highly coveted. Over his first 28 games, he is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and logging 34.3 minutes a night.
The Mavericks, however, have struggled as a team, posting an 11–18 record this season. Key contributors Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Dante Exum (right knee surgery) are also sidelined.
In addition to Flagg, other players listed as questionable for tonight include Max Christie (illness), Klay Thompson (left knee soreness), Moussa Cisse (G League two-way), and Miles Kelly (G League two-way).
Although the injury situation is far from ideal, the Mavericks should still have a chance to beat the 7–22 Pelicans, with the game set to kick off at 8 p.m. EST in New Orleans. Dallas will then host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night before heading to Golden State for their Christmas matchup against the Warriors.
