The 2025–26 season has been anything but smooth for the Dallas Mavericks. To begin with, the team entered the campaign without Kyrie Irving, as the star guard continues to recover from the torn ACL he sustained in March. Compounding their challenges, standout big man Anthony Davis was sidelined early in the season due to a left calf strain.
Matters worsened with upheaval in the front office following the dismissal of former general manager Nico Harrison. As if the situation weren’t already precarious, the Mavericks are now expected to be without rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, who is set to miss his first NBA game
Cooper Flagg Will Miss His First NBA Game
According to a recent report by NBA insider Shams Charania, Flagg will not be available on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. The timing is unfortunate, considering how Dallas is currently lacking firepower.
Charania revealed that Flagg has been feeling ill since the Mavericks’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. While the insider did not reveal the exact illness, fans can be relieved that the rookie did not sustain a major injury that could prolong his absence.
There was a slight mention of Flagg feeling sore in some areas of his body, but nothing of major concern.
“Sources just told me Cooper Flagg will miss his first game of his NBA career against the New York Knicks,” Charania reported on ESPN. “He’s been feeling sick over the last 48 hours. We all know he’s been banged up, his thumb, his shoulder.”
Breaking: Cooper Flagg will miss his first career NBA game against the Knicks due to an illness, sources tell @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/QimYkvUexu
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 19, 2025
While the Mavericks could lean on Klay Thompson, the four-time NBA champion is no longer putting up the same numbers he once did. So far this season, Thompson is averaging a career low of 9.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He is also shooting a lackluster 31.1% from beyond the arc and 33.8% overall.
With that in mind, more production will likely come from players like D’Angelo Russell, PJ Washington, and Max Christie. Those three are currently averaging double figures this season.
Washington is likely to take the lead among the three. This season, he is averaging 15 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks. Now with an opportunity to shine, it is possible to see those numbers increase. Hopefully, the star-less Mavericks can manage against a hungry Knicks team.
