The Dallas Mavericks will host the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Center on February 3, 2026, with rookie sensation Cooper Flagg expected to take the court. The promising forward does not appear on the latest injury report, indicating he has fully recovered from his recent ankle issues and faces no new health concerns heading into this crucial matchup.
Flagg's Recovery and Recent Performance
Cooper Flagg had been sidelined briefly in mid-January after suffering a left ankle sprain, but he has since returned to action without restrictions. The timing of his return proves particularly significant for the Mavericks, who find themselves grappling with multiple player absences and are likely to depend heavily on Flagg's contributions once again.
Statistical Impact and Growing Role
The 19-year-old phenom has been delivering impressive performances in recent games. Flagg made history by scoring 49 points against the Charlotte Hornets, setting a new league record for the highest point total by a teenager. He followed this remarkable achievement with another standout performance, recording 34 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in a narrow defeat to the Houston Rockets.
For the current season, Flagg maintains solid averages of 18.2 points, six rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. His offensive responsibilities have expanded considerably as injuries have necessitated lineup adjustments, positioning him as a central figure in the Mavericks' strategy. This increased role is reflected in betting markets, where his scoring prop sits at 20.5 points, with projections estimating he will slightly exceed that mark at 21.3 points against the Celtics.
Injury History and Current Status
Flagg sustained his ankle sprain on January 14 during a game against the Denver Nuggets, when he landed awkwardly on another player's foot. Although he attempted to continue playing, he ultimately left the game early and subsequently missed the following matchup against Utah. Since returning, he has played without any limitations.
Remarkably, Flagg has missed only two games throughout the entire season—one due to illness and the other because of the ankle injury. By late January, his name had been removed from the injury report entirely. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has publicly praised Flagg's resilience and ability to manage minor injuries while maintaining his availability for games.
Mavericks' Injury Challenges
The Dallas Mavericks enter this contest with a challenging 19-30 record, placing them 12th in the highly competitive Western Conference. The team is currently enduring a four-game losing streak, further complicated by significant injury problems across their roster. These absences have inevitably increased Flagg's workload, with players like Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson expected to provide additional support.
The Mavericks' injury situation includes several key players:
- Kyrie Irving (Knee) – Out until February 20
- PJ Washington (Concussion) – Out until February 5
- Dereck Lively II (Foot) – Out for the season
- Dante Exum (Knee) – Out for the season
- Anthony Davis (Finger) – Out
Celtics' Situation and Matchup Context
The Boston Celtics arrive in Dallas with a 31-18 record, securing third place in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks and have been relying heavily on Jaylen Brown, who averages 26.5 points per game. However, the Celtics will be without their star player Jayson Tatum, placing additional pressure on their rotation and creating opportunities for other players to step up.
This game holds special significance for Cooper Flagg, as it marks his first professional encounter with the Boston Celtics—the team he supported while growing up. The projected total points for the game is set at 222.5, suggesting analysts anticipate steady scoring from both teams. Final lineup decisions and any last-minute changes will be confirmed shortly before tip-off, as is standard practice in the league.
