Cooper Flagg was seen wearing a walking boot on his left foot while attending Saturday’s game between Duke and Clemson, but league sources told Marc Stein of The Stein Line that the Mavericks consider themselves fortunate that the rookie’s midfoot sprain was not more serious.
According to Stein, there is still no clear timetable for Flagg’s return as he recovers from the injury.
In the meantime, one of Dallas’ main concerns is helping the young star stay mentally engaged and positive during what could be the most difficult stretch of his basketball career, as the team navigates an extended losing streak.
The Mavericks entered the All-Star break having dropped nine consecutive games, marking their longest skid since the 1997/98 season.
Dallas currently sits 12th in the Western Conference standings, two games ahead of the Utah Jazz and 1.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who have begun a rebuilding phase following the trade of Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.
With Jackson sidelined for the remainder of the season after knee surgery, and with Utah’s draft pick owed to Oklahoma City if it lands outside the top eight, Stein notes that attention will turn to how quickly Dallas decides to bring Flagg back once he is healthy enough to play.
Southwest Notes: Flagg, Irving, Durant, Coward https://t.co/TE1w2t3nC7 pic.twitter.com/nhPOBKEwqY
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 17, 2026
