Dallas Mavericks Face Indiana Pacers Without Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, but they'll be missing a key piece: rookie forward Cooper Flagg. Flagg is sidelined with a left midfoot sprain, a blow to a team already grappling with a challenging season.
Flagg has been a standout, leading the Mavericks with 20.4 points per game, while also contributing 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals on an impressive 48.2% shooting. He's just shy of a major milestone, entering the game with 999 total points this season.
The Mavericks are also dealing with other significant absences. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are out for the season due to surgeries, while Max Christie and Daniel Gafford are questionable.
Caleb Martin is likely to play, while Miles Kelly is trending toward availability. However, Moussa Cissé and Ryan Nembhard remain doubtful.
Head coach Jason Kidd is maintaining a resilient outlook despite these challenges.
“Next man up. That’s the best answer,” Kidd emphasized.
“We’ve seen this before. Cooper’s been out before and will be out again for a bit.
It’s another chance for someone in a Mavs uniform to step up until he’s back.”
With a 19-36 record and a 10-game losing streak, Dallas is eager for a turnaround.
Adjusting Offensively Without Flagg
Flagg's absence takes away the Mavericks’ most reliable scoring threat and primary initiator. His ability to pressure defenses and create opportunities has been crucial. Without him, Dallas has shifted to a more collective offensive approach, focusing on ball movement and perimeter spacing.
In their recent 122-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Mavericks struggled with just seven assists in the first half, underscoring the challenge of maintaining offensive rhythm without Flagg.
Without their central scorer, Dallas relies on secondary actions and perimeter shooting. Quick transitions and early shot quality are vital to compensate for the lack of rim pressure.
“We were slow there in that first half,” Kidd noted. “Make or miss, getting the ball out, throwing the ball ahead, the trust - things that we’ve done here before the break.”
Rotation Changes and Key Players Stepping Up
In Flagg’s absence, Naji Marshall has taken on a larger role. Averaging 15.1 points on 52.6% shooting, Marshall logged significant minutes against Minnesota, contributing 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists. His ability to drive and create from the wing is now central to the Mavericks’ offense.
P.J. Washington has also seen increased involvement, averaging 14.1 points and 7.1 rebounds. His inside presence and face-up game are more prominent without Flagg drawing defensive attention.
Klay Thompson’s perimeter shooting remains crucial. Averaging 11.6 points with nearly three made three-pointers per game, Thompson’s ability to hit from deep is essential to maintain spacing.
Brandon Williams offers additional playmaking, posting 13 points and four assists in limited minutes against Minnesota. His penetration skills provide an alternative scoring avenue.
Max Christie’s potential return is significant. Averaging 13.3 points and shooting 42.6% from three, his spacing and secondary playmaking are vital when Flagg is out.
Collectively, the Mavericks must focus on shared production. Their recent shooting performance of 41-of-97 (42.3%) with eight made three-pointers highlights the challenge of operating without Flagg's offensive gravity.
Integrating New Additions
Sunday’s game also marks another step in integrating new players following a recent trade involving Washington and Charlotte. Dallas acquired Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Marvin Bagley III, and Tyus Jones, along with future draft picks.
Bagley has been impactful, averaging 11.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, including 4.8 offensive boards per game. His presence is crucial for second-chance opportunities.
“It’s definitely tough, but we’ve been here before,” Bagley commented. “We’re pros.
A lot of teams run the same stuff - it’s just a matter of learning the terminology. It’ll come if we stay with it.”
Middleton has brought stability, leading Dallas with 18 points against Minnesota and averaging 13.0 points in his first few games. His shot creation is vital during this adjustment period.
“It’s still communication - pretty much constantly throughout the game,” Middleton shared. “Just trying to figure out where to be, where to go, where guys want it, things of that nature.”
Jones has been steady, adding 13 points and six assists without a turnover. His ball security and tempo management are key as the Mavericks adapt.
“This is on the fly,” Kidd said. “We’re learning about Bags, Middleton, and Tyus in real time. We don’t have much practice time right now, so it’s about helping each other as we go.”
Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. CST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Dallas hopes to break their losing streak and find new synergy on the court.