The Dallas Mavericks (4-11) are hosting the New York Knicks (8-5) tonight at the American Airlines Center for regular season action, desperately needing a win after a string of poor results. One major uncertainty for the home team is whether rookie star Cooper Flagg will be available for this matchup.
After reports suggested that the first round pick could miss his first game of the season, as the Mavericks have downgraded Cooper Flagg to out (illness) for tonight’s contest, according to the latest official NBA injury report.
During this rough patch for Dallas, without major stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving due to injuries, the rookie has been one of the most outstanding performers on the roster, consistently demonstrating why he was chosen first overall in the NBA Draft.
Through 15 games this season, Flagg is averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field. Losing the 18-year-old forward would be a significant blow to the Mavericks, who are playing with a short-handed team due to injuries and urgently need a victory to reverse their fortunes.
Dallas hit by injury bug once again
Just as last year, the Mavericks are confronting extensive injury problems that have left the roster severely depleted at critical moments of the season. The Mavericks were already aware that Kyrie Irving would likely be sidelined for the entire campaign as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in March.
Compounding this, Anthony Davis has only managed to play in five of the 16 games the Mavericks have contested this season. The 10-time All-Star has been out since October 29th, when he sustained a calf muscle strain against the Pacers.
Adding to this list is Dereck Lively II, who played a significant role alongside Luka Doncic last season but has only participated in five games this current campaign, where he is averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, two assists, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Mavericks’ injury report
As a result, the Mavericks arrive somewhat battered for the matchup against the Knicks: they will be without Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Dante Exum, and Ryan Nembhard, who are all officially ruled out for tonight.
The list of concerns does not end there, as Caleb Martin (illness). However, Dereck Lively II (right knee injury management) and Daniel Gafford (right ankle injury management) are both listed as probable for tonight, though the extensive injury concerns still leave the Mavericks with a short roster.