Nets Shorthanded Ahead of Rookie Showdown vs. Dallas and Cooper Flagg
The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for their first look at Cooper Flagg, the electric rookie out of Duke who’s quickly making himself at home in the NBA. But when they take the floor Friday night in Dallas, they’ll be doing it without a couple of key contributors - and that could make a tough assignment even tougher.
Cam Thomas Still Out, Highsmith Remains Sidelined
Cam Thomas won’t be suiting up for this one, and that’s a blow for Brooklyn’s offensive firepower. The third-year guard has been one of the Nets’ most dynamic scoring threats, and his ability to create his own shot would’ve been a valuable asset against a Mavericks team that’s struggled defensively at times this season.
Thomas is still recovering, and while the Nets got some much-needed rest after missing out on the NBA In-Season Tournament, it wasn’t enough to get him back on the floor. Alongside him on the inactive list is Haywood Highsmith, who continues to rehab from a meniscus injury.
Highsmith’s absence takes away a versatile defender - a guy who brings toughness, rim protection, and the kind of switchability that would’ve come in handy against the 6-foot-9 Flagg. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez praised Highsmith’s professionalism earlier this week, noting the veteran is progressing well in his recovery, even if there’s no timeline yet for his return.
Ben Saraf Reassigned to G-League
Another name missing from the Nets’ rotation Friday will be rookie Ben Saraf. The 26th overall pick from June’s draft has been sent down to the Long Island Nets to get more reps and continue his development. While Saraf has shown flashes of promise, the Nets are opting for patience with the young guard, giving him a chance to refine his game in the G-League.
All Eyes on Cooper Flagg
That leaves Brooklyn with a clean bill of health beyond those three, but the challenge ahead is clear: contain Cooper Flagg.
The 18-year-old rookie has been on a tear, scoring in double figures in 20 straight games and putting up eight 20-point performances along the way. The highlight? A 35-point explosion against the Clippers on November 29 - a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling.
Flagg’s averaging 17.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and he’s coming off a 19-point outing against Houston on December 6. He’s not just producing - he’s doing it with confidence, poise, and a growing command of the Mavericks’ offense.
For Brooklyn, that means a full team effort on defense. With Highsmith out, expect a mix of bodies thrown at Flagg - from longer wings to more physical forwards - in an attempt to disrupt his rhythm. The Nets will need to communicate, rotate, and keep Flagg off-balance if they want to avoid becoming the next victim of his breakout rookie campaign.
Two Teams Searching for Consistency
Both teams come into this matchup below .500, with Dallas sitting at 9-16 - not far off from Brooklyn’s own struggles. But with Flagg emerging as a legitimate scoring option for the Mavericks, and Brooklyn still searching for continuity in its lineup, this one could swing on who brings the sharper edge defensively.
The Nets have shown flashes this season, but without Thomas and Highsmith, they’ll need others to step up - especially on the perimeter and in transition. Slowing down Flagg won’t be easy, but it’s the assignment at hand. And for a team looking to claw its way back into the Eastern Conference mix, it’s the kind of challenge that can either expose holes or spark a response.
Friday night in Dallas should tell us a lot about where this Nets team stands - and just how real Cooper Flagg’s early-season rise really is.