Mavs get great Cooper Flagg injury news before Clippers game

As the Dallas Mavericks went to work against the Phoenix Suns, Cooper Flagg left the game briefly with an injury scare.

Fortunately, the early exit was brief. It wasn’t long before Flagg was back on the court for the Mavericks. While his return didn’t result in a victory over the Phoenix Suns, it was one of the very few scenarios going right for Flagg and the Mavs this year.

After the game, Flagg addressed his minor setback with the media.

“No injuries,” Flagg told reporters. “I’m a little banged up. It’s a lot of games, that’s a little different; you know, not as much time in-between, so I think the body is adjusting. I’m getting with strength coaches, medical staff, and everybody. I’ll be alright.”

The next day always reveals the truth when it comes to NBA players and their setbacks. They can’t always tell the difference between being banged up and injured when they are able to muster through the pain and finish a game.

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The Mavericks confirmed the best-case scenario for Flagg’s status on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Flagg is on the injury report with a right thumb sprain, but the team has him listed as available. Barring any sudden setbacks, he’s on pace to take on the Clippers for NBA Cup action.

Beyond Flagg, the Mavericks have listed Dante Exum and Kyrie Irving as out. PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis are all questionable for the matchup on Friday afternoon.

This year, the Mavericks have been through a lot. The Flagg era is off to a rough start, as it took just a few weeks for Dallas to cut ties with the city’s most despised executive, Nico Harrison. Last season, the Mavericks followed their NBA Finals run by trading the most prominent player on the roster in Luka Doncic. Dallas went on to miss the playoffs. Now, they are 3-9 to begin the year, sitting 14th in the Western Conference, only trailed by the New Orleans Pelicans.

Flagg has seen the court for 12 games, averaging 32.8 minutes of action. The rookie guard has produced 15.1 points, while shooting 42 percent from the field and 28 percent from three (4.1 attempts). He has also averaged 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and nearly one block per game.

Being “banged up” early on is a bit of a tough obstacle for Flagg, but the No. 1 pick will continue his Rookie of the Year campaign on Friday night against Los Angeles.

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