Mavericks rule out Cooper Flagg for at least two more contests
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Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg will remain sidelined with a left midfoot sprain and is not expected to play in the team’s next two games, multiple outlets reported Friday.
The 19-year-old has already missed six straight games after being hurt on Feb. 10. An MRI confirmed the sprain, and the club initially hoped he would return shortly after the All-Star break.
Head coach Jason Kidd told reporters it is “unlikely” Flagg will be available Tuesday night when Dallas visits the Charlotte Hornets. The Mavericks first host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday before beginning a six-game road trip that opens in Charlotte.
Flagg’s absence will prevent a matchup with Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, his former Duke teammate and a fellow Rookie of the Year candidate.
Although quiet speculation around the league has suggested Dallas could shut Flagg down for the rest of the season to preserve his long-term health, the organization has not addressed that possibility publicly, and Kidd has offered no sign such a move is being considered.
Through 49 appearances, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
Source: Hoops Wire
