Cooper Flagg Questionable vs. Timberwolves as Mavericks Prioritize Long-Term Health
The Dallas Mavericks are taking the cautious route with Cooper Flagg, listing the rookie forward as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team continues to manage a lingering left ankle issue that’s kept Flagg sidelined, opting for a measured approach over rushing him back into action.
Flagg was initially listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game in Milwaukee, but that contest never tipped off. Travel issues stranded the Mavericks in Dallas, and the NBA ultimately postponed the game. While the unexpected break offered Flagg a bit more time to heal, it wasn’t quite enough for the team to fully clear him for the next one.
After Tuesday’s practice, head coach Jason Kidd offered a brief but telling update: “Flagg participated in some of the stuff.”
Flagg’s Recovery: Progress, Not Push
Flagg was back on the floor, but only in a limited capacity. He took part in segments of practice and stayed after to get up stationary shots-an encouraging sign, but still a step away from full-speed, game-ready action.
The Mavericks’ injury report has thinned out since the weekend, with most rotation players returning to full participation. Flagg remains the lone holdout, a clear indication that the team is thinking big picture. His shift from doubtful to questionable might seem minor on paper, but it reflects meaningful progress in his recovery timeline.
And that caution makes sense when you look at his workload. Through 43 games, Flagg has been one of Dallas’ most relied-upon players, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33.8 minutes per game. He’s started every game he’s played, shooting 47.3% from the field and often drawing the toughest defensive assignments night in and night out.
He’s logged 30-plus minutes in 36 of those games and already tallied six double-doubles. In a season where injuries have forced the Mavericks to shuffle lineups frequently, Flagg has been a consistent connector-someone who keeps the offense flowing and competes on both ends. That kind of usage doesn’t just speak to his talent; it explains why the team is being so deliberate in bringing him back.
Rising Stars Recognition: A Bright Spot in a Busy Week
Despite the ankle issue, Flagg received some good news this week: he’s been named to the Rising Stars Challenge rookie pool for All-Star Weekend. It’s a well-earned nod for a player who’s made an immediate impact in his debut season.
“Yeah, it means a lot. I feel blessed,” Flagg said after practice.
“It’s kind of an outcome of all the work I’ve put in. Obviously, the way the season started and how things have gone, we wish some things would’ve gone better, but everything happens for a reason.
I feel really blessed and honored.”
He also mentioned how special it would be to share the All-Star stage with players he’s known from earlier in his basketball journey.
“That would be really cool,” Flagg said. “Those are guys I played with, and just having that experience again would be special.”
Travel Trouble Adds a Twist to the Schedule
The Mavericks’ week took an unexpected turn after Saturday’s loss to the Lakers. The team was set to fly to Milwaukee that night, but multiple failed attempts to travel due to weather eventually led the NBA to postpone Sunday’s game against the Bucks.
“Obviously, being stuck like that wasn’t great,” Flagg said of the ordeal.
Coach Kidd echoed the sentiment, stressing that the team prioritized safety and rest.
“We looked at the rest and put safety first,” Kidd said. “The league postponed the game, so we did not travel to Milwaukee. We stayed here, and now we’re focused on Minnesota and Charlotte.”
Looking Ahead: Timberwolves Present a Stiff Test
Dallas enters Wednesday night still feeling the sting of Saturday’s 116-110 loss to the Lakers. Luka Dončić put up 33 points and 11 assists, but the Mavericks couldn’t hold a 15-point second-half lead. LeBron James scored 11 in the fourth quarter to fuel the Lakers’ comeback, snapping Dallas’ four-game win streak.
Max Christie led the Mavericks with 24 points, while Naji Marshall added 21 points and 11 rebounds-both stepping up in Flagg’s absence.
Now, the focus shifts to Minnesota, and the challenge doesn’t get any easier.
“You look at Anthony Edwards-he’s one of the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “He causes problems from the three-point line and getting to the rim. Our defense will be tested against the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
As for Flagg, his final status will likely come down to a game-time decision. But the Mavericks have made one thing clear: they’re not rushing their rising star. They’re playing the long game-and with the kind of season Flagg is putting together, it’s hard to argue with that approach.