Mavs Down Key Players vs. Timberwolves, But Eyes on Quick Return for Flagg and Thompson
The Dallas Mavericks will be without two key pieces on Wednesday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves: rookie standout Cooper Flagg and veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson are both sidelined, each dealing with ankle issues.
Flagg is out due to left ankle injury management, while Thompson is nursing soreness in the same ankle. The absence of both players adds to a growing list of unavailable Mavericks, but there’s optimism inside the locker room that this will be a short-term setback.
“We play again tomorrow, so hopefully they’re back tomorrow,” head coach Jason Kidd said pregame, referring to Thursday’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
That update from Kidd is encouraging. It suggests the team is being cautious rather than reacting to anything more serious. Still, with both players playing significant roles in Dallas’ rotation, their statuses will be something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Flagg, just 19 years old, has been turning heads in his rookie campaign. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a solid 47.3% from the field.
That’s not just good for a rookie - it’s impactful basketball, plain and simple. His mix of size, skill, and poise has made him a key contributor on both ends of the floor, and Dallas will feel his absence against a physical Minnesota squad.
Thompson, now 35, has been carving out a new role in Dallas as a floor spacer and veteran presence. He’s averaging 11.7 points per game and hitting 38% of his shots from deep - still a threat defenses have to respect.
He was a late addition to the injury report, and given the back-to-back schedule, it’s not surprising the Mavs are choosing to err on the side of caution. With Thompson’s age and injury history, managing his workload is going to be a season-long balancing act.
Tip-off against the Timberwolves is set for 8:30 PM EST at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks will look to hold their ground without two of their key contributors, but all eyes will be on Thursday - when the team hopes to have both Flagg and Thompson back in the fold.