Flagg Ready for Mavs-Suns Showdown, Thompson's Status Still Up in the Air
As the Dallas Mavericks get set to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, all eyes are on two key storylines: the health of rising star Flagg and the availability of veteran guard Klay Thompson.
Let’s start with the good news for Dallas - Flagg is expected to suit up. After a relatively quiet 14-point outing against the Spurs on Saturday, the rookie was a full participant in Monday’s practice.
That’s a strong sign he’ll be ready to go against Phoenix. And make no mistake, Flagg has been electric lately.
Before the San Antonio game, he rattled off four straight performances of 32, 36, 34, and 49 points. That kind of production isn’t just impressive - it’s Rookie of the Year-caliber stuff.
His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his poise beyond his years, has made him a must-watch player every time he steps on the court.
Now, the question mark: Klay Thompson.
Thompson, who just turned 36, is officially listed as questionable due to rest. As of Monday, he hadn’t yet joined the team in Phoenix.
He’s coming off a 19-point performance in Saturday’s loss to the Spurs, and while he’s no longer the high-volume scorer he once was, his presence - especially as a floor spacer and veteran voice - still matters. Thompson’s averaging 11.6 points per game this season, and his ability to knock down timely shots could be crucial against a Suns team looking to bounce back.
The Mavericks are still navigating a patchwork lineup. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined as he continues to rehab from left knee surgery, and big man Dereck Lively II is also out following right foot surgery. That’s two core pieces missing from the rotation, and their absence has forced Dallas to lean even more heavily on Flagg and the newer additions to the roster.
Also on the injury front, two-way players Moussa Cissé, Miles Kelly, and Ryan Nembhard are all listed as doubtful. That further limits the Mavericks’ depth, especially in a game where they’ll need every ounce of firepower to keep pace with a Suns squad sitting at 31-22 and looking to tighten up its defense after some recent inconsistencies.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. CT, and while the Mavericks come in with a 19-33 record, Flagg’s emergence has added a jolt of energy to this team. If he’s on, he gives Dallas a fighting chance - even against a playoff-caliber opponent like Phoenix.
Whether or not Thompson suits up, this matchup offers a glimpse into the Mavericks’ future and how they’re adapting on the fly. One thing’s for sure: Flagg’s quickly becoming the centerpiece of that conversation.