Dallas Mavericks standout rookie Cooper Flagg will make his return from a left midfoot sprain for a matchup with the Orlando Magic on Thursday, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Flagg has missed each of the Mavericks’ last eight games due to the sprain.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft initially suffered the injury during a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 10.
Availability wasn’t a major issue for Flagg to open his inaugural season in the association, appearing in 49 of Dallas’ first 54 games prior to the All-Star break.
He also missed just two contests throughout his lone college season at Duke.
While Flagg doesn’t have a full year in the NBA under his belt yet, he’s already established himself as a building block for the Mavericks moving forward.
The 19-year-old has showcased his all-around impact by averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks per game this season. He’s also shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from behind the arc.
Meanwhile, Dallas holds the No. 12 spot in the Western Conference standings with a 21-40 record.
Tip-off against Orlando on Thursday is at 7 p.m. ET.
