Cooper Flagg Ruled Out for Mavericks vs Kings Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks will be without their standout rookie Cooper Flagg when they host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at 8:30 PM ET. Flagg continues to recover from a left midfoot sprain, marking his ninth consecutive game on the sidelines. This absence deals another blow to a Mavericks squad already grappling with multiple key injuries.
Flagg's Injury Timeline and Impact
Cooper Flagg sustained the midfoot sprain during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 10, 2026. Since that date, he has been unavailable for all Mavericks contests, including the NBA's Rising Stars event. The team has officially listed him as out for the upcoming matchup against Sacramento, with no definitive return timetable established.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd provided a cautious update, stating, "Cooper is making progress in his recovery, but we are committed to a patient approach. There is no benefit in rushing him back prematurely." Before the injury, Flagg was posting impressive averages of 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, establishing himself as a central figure in Dallas's rotation and the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Dallas Mavericks Extensive Injury Report
The absence of Cooper Flagg is compounded by a lengthy injury list for the Mavericks, severely testing their depth ahead of the Kings game.
- Cooper Flagg: OUT - Left midfoot sprain
- Kyrie Irving: OUT - Left knee surgery recovery
- Dereck Lively II: OUT - Right foot surgery recovery
- P.J. Washington: OUT - Left ankle sprain
- Daniel Gafford: DOUBTFUL - Right ankle injury management
- Khris Middleton: PROBABLE - Right shoulder stinger
With this substantial group unavailable, the Mavericks will lean more heavily on veterans like Klay Thompson, Tyus Jones, and Naji Marshall. The team's frontcourt, in particular, appears notably thin, presenting a significant challenge against Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings Also Dealing With Key Absences
The injury concerns are not one-sided. The visiting Sacramento Kings enter the contest missing several regular contributors, potentially leveling the playing field.
- Domantas Sabonis: OUT - Left knee meniscus repair
- Zach LaVine: OUT - Right 5th finger tendon repair
- Keegan Murray: OUT - Left ankle sprain
- De’Andre Hunter: OUT - Left eye retinal repair
- Dylan Cardwell: OUT - Left ankle sprain
- Russell Westbrook: OUT - Right thigh contusion
- Malik Monk: QUESTIONABLE - Right ankle soreness
In response to these absences, the Kings are expected to rely on the scoring prowess of DeMar DeRozan and Dennis Schroder to carry the offensive load.
Rookie of the Year Race Implications
Cooper Flagg's extended absence is having a tangible impact on the NBA Rookie of the Year award race. His betting odds have shifted from a strong favorite at -650 to -300, indicating increased uncertainty. This has allowed other contenders, notably Kon Knueppel, whose odds have improved to +220, to close the gap significantly.
Analysts suggest that if Flagg can return to the court in the near future and immediately recapture his pre-injury form, he remains a formidable candidate for the award. However, his continued absence only benefits his competitors as the season progresses.
For now, the Dallas Mavericks must navigate this critical Western Conference matchup without their promising rookie and several other starters, relying on resilience and adjusted lineups to secure a victory against a similarly depleted Sacramento Kings roster.
