Irving shared the update during a live stream on Twitch, where he spoke openly about the progress he has made over the past several months. “I am definitely close to being over at 100% in terms of my ACL recovery,” Irving said, giving Mavericks fans a reason to be optimistic about his return.

“It’s been a while now,” Irving continued. “I’m so grateful that I’ve had the time to heal & just experiment with my body more on the court and off the court in the weight room & just pushing myself to the limit.” His comments reflected both confidence in his recovery and appreciation for the work that has gone into getting back to full strength.

What could Irving’s return mean for Dallas?

A healthy Irving would be a major boost for the Mavericks. Even before the injury, he remained one of the team’s most productive players, providing scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership. His ability to create offense in crucial moments has made him one of the most valuable pieces of the roster when available.

During his most recent NBA season with Dallas, Irving continued to show why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous guards. His scoring efficiency, ball-handling, and experience helped stabilize the offense, while his championship pedigree brought an important presence to the locker room and on the floor.

The next big decision for Irving could come off the court. He holds a player option for the 2026-27 season, the final year of his current contract. Whether he chooses to exercise that option or explore a different path, the Mavericks would undoubtedly benefit from having a fully healthy Irving leading the backcourt and helping guide a talented roster through another competitive season.

According to reports from The Smoking Cuban, current San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Sean Sweeney has emerged as a top target for the Mavericks‘ vacancy, with the front office heavily prioritizing him to take the reins for next season.

However, several other high-profile candidates are also gaining traction in Dallas, according to AS USA. Former Mavericks assistant Frank Vogel, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori are all reportedly among the options being vetted for the position.

While the Mavericks remain focused on building their franchise around newly crowned Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, there is immense pressure on the front office to make the right hire. Meanwhile, rumors are already swirling about Kidd’s next potential landing spot as he looks to quickly transition back onto an NBA bench.

Kidd’s potential landing spots

Though Kidd walks away from Dallas with one year remaining on his contract—a lucrative buyout that should soften the blow—it appears he won’t be on the market for long, with multiple teams reportedly showing interest in his services.

According to Orlando Magic Daily, Kidd is being considered a strong candidate for the Orlando Magic’s head coaching vacancy. The Magic are searching for leadership after parting ways with Jamahl Mosley following a string of early postseason exits.

Additionally, a rumor linking Kidd to the Milwaukee Bucks has surfaced via FanSided, fueled primarily by his strong past relationship and connection with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A look back at Kidd’s tenure in Dallas

Despite missing the postseason in three of his five years at the helm, Kidd’s tenure was highlighted by a spectacular 2023-24 campaign. Led by Luka Doncic, that squad captured the Western Conference championship and fell just short of securing an NBA title.

Here is a closer look at Kidd’s overall coaching record and numbers with the Mavericks:

Cooper Flagg was honored by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening, receiving his Rookie of the Year award and speaking at a press conference in Dallas shortly after. “Yeah, I mean, I think it means everything,” Flagg said about winning the Rookie of the Year award.

“I think this award and this recognition is something that all rookies come into the year fighting for, competing for, and they are trying to put their best foot forward for this award. So I think just the recognition means a lot to me. All the hard work, all the hours I have put in throughout the year, throughout the years previous, all the hours I have put in my whole life, just to get this moment, it shows that it is all worth it.

“I mean, obviously thank you to my teammates, obviously the ones that are here, but all the rest of them as well that are not here, I would not have been able to do it without them. Coaches, Coach Jason Kidd, the rest of the staff, I think it is a thank you to them, but it is an incredible recognition and it means a ton to me.”

Cooper Flagg did not forget anyone

Many expected Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets to win the award, who was also Flagg’s teammate at Duke and later became a rival competing for these honors. Flagg said on Wednesday that he spoke with Knueppel throughout the year, but never about the award, and that he considers him someone who will “be one of my best friends for the rest of my life.”

“Me and Kon, we talked all year long, but we never talked about the Rookie of the Year, or what people were saying about any of that. It was more just support, you know, for one another. And staying in contact. I mean, he is somebody that will be one of my best friends for the rest of my life.

“So just stay in contact, seeing how things have been different for him and what he has learned, and just trying to help each other in our own single journeys apart from each other, but just learning as much as we can about this league and how we can be better. But yeah, we definitely stayed in contact. And, yeah, I have talked to him.”

The great season of Flagg and Knueppel

It is an incredibly deserved award for a player who led his team in virtually every statistical category while being asked to play a position he had never really played coming into the year.

This season, Cooper Flagg joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to lead their team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals since steals were first recorded in 1973-74. Flagg also became the second youngest NBA Rookie of the Year winner behind LeBron James.

In his first season in the NBA, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field and 29.5% from three, all while appearing in 70 games for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks’ rookie was in a tightly contested race for the award with Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who finished the season averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field and a blistering 42.5% from three. He made 273 three-pointers, the most ever by a rookie.

The San Antonio Spurs have prioritized managing his workload late in the season, especially with playoff positioning largely secured and the long-term picture taking precedence over a single regular-season game.

He has appeared in 64 games and needs to reach the NBA’s 65-game threshold—logging at least 20 minutes—to remain eligible for major end-of-season awards, including Defensive Player of the Year.

How and when did Victor Wembanyama get injured?

Victor Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion on April 6 during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers after colliding with Paul George in the second quarter.

The incident occurred with 10:47 remaining in the second quarter, when he was hit near midcourt while receiving a pass in transition. He briefly returned to the bench but later exited again and was ruled out for the rest of the game before halftime.

Despite initial concern, early medical evaluations—including X-rays—did not reveal structural damage, reinforcing that the injury is classified as a bruise rather than something more severe. However, the San Antonio Spurs have taken a cautious approach.

How long is Victor Wembanyama’s recovery timeline?

Victor Wembanyama is considered day-to-day. Rib contusions in the NBA usually result in minimal missed time, often around 3 to 5 days depending on pain tolerance and contact risk.

In his case, the Spurs have prioritized caution given the proximity to the playoffs and his importance to the team’s long-term outlook. There is also an additional layer to his return timeline.

He has been close to the NBA’s 65-game threshold required for major awards eligibility, meaning he needs to log at least one more appearance of 20+ minutes to qualify. That context could influence the decision on when he returns, balancing health with individual accolades.

How has Victor Wembanyama performed so far this season?

Victor Wembanyama has been one of the NBA’s most dominant two-way players this season, averaging around 24.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game.

He has established himself as the centerpiece of a Spurs team that surpassed 60 wins for the first time in nearly a decade, while anchoring one of the league’s top defenses. His impact goes beyond raw numbers, he leads the team in scoring and rebounding while altering opposing offenses with elite rim protection.

His season has also included historic performances. He recorded multiple 40-point games, delivered a game-winner to clinch a playoff berth and became one of the youngest players to post consecutive 40-point, 15-rebound outings in the last 50 years.

All of that has placed him firmly in the conversation for major honors, including Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA First Team, underscoring just how critical his availability is for San Antonio heading into the postseason.

The All-Star guard had been dealing with a knee injury but was trending toward a potential return at American Airlines Center. He has missed multiple games due to right knee inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome).

He has recently returned to on-court work and practiced with the team, signaling that a comeback could be imminent. With Minnesota in the middle of a tight Western Conference race, Edwards didn’t want to miss any more critical outings. Against Dallas, “Ant-Man” will likely be back on the court, leading the Timberwolves (45-29).

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards’ uncertain status was entirely due to inflammation (patellofemoral pain syndrome) on his right knee. The setback sidelined him during his team’s last six outings. So far on the season, Edwards has missed 16 games due to different issues. Entering the home stretch of the campaign and pivotal playoff-implication matchups, he is determined to stay healthy and useful for his organization.

The latest injury was confirmed after medical evaluation, with the team opting to shut him down temporarily to avoid worsening the condition. His absence has already impacted Minnesota, which struggled offensively without its leading scorer during that stretch.

Edwards’ numbers in 2025-26

Through 58 appearances in the 2025-26 NBA season, Edwards has been the best player in Minneapolis-St. Paul by a landslide. So far, he registers an average of 29.5 points (career-high), 3.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.

However, availability is the best ability, and that’s been just what “Ant” has missed all year long. Still, all will be forgotten if Edwards leads the T-Wolves to the NBA Playoffs and a deep run in them.

For a franchise that reached the NBA Finals less than two years ago, the fall has been swift and unforgiving. The Mavericks (23–49) currently sit 13th in the Western Conference, and with only ten games remaining, the post-Luka era has officially hit rock bottom.

At the time of the trade, former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison justified moving a 25-year-old MVP candidate by citing Doncic’s conditioning issues and a desire to build a defensive identity around Anthony Davis. However, time has proven the skeptics right: trading Doncic to the Lakers was a franchise-altering mistake.

The ‘defense wins championships’ fallacy

While Davis remained a statistically elite presence when on the floor—averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds this season—his tenure in Dallas was defined by the same recurring injury problems that plagued his final years in Los Angeles.

Davis appeared in only 20 games this season, leaving a massive leadership and scoring void. The front office eventually acknowledged the failed experiment by trading Davis to the Washington Wizards earlier this year to clear salary cap space, signaling a total white flag on the current roster.

In contrast, Doncic dominating in Los Angeles

The contrast between the two franchises could not be sharper. While Dallas faces a long offseason, Doncic is thriving in Los Angeles. After a rocky start that ended in a first-round exit last year, the Lakers (46–26) have surged to the #3 seed in the Western Conference in Luka’s first full season with the team.

Doncic is currently playing at an undisputed MVP level, leading the league in scoring with 33.4 points per game, alongside 7.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.9 steals. His recent form has been historic:

• Ten consecutive games scoring 30+ points.
• A season-high 60-point masterpiece against the Miami Heat.
• A 51-point explosion against the Chicago Bulls.
• Two 30-point triple-doubles in the last week alone.

As the Lakers prepare for a deep championship run fueled by the league’s most potent offensive weapon, the Mavericks are left to pick up the pieces of a trade that looks increasingly like one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history.

Leonard is available to play in tonight’s match, putting the Clippers’ star forward in focus as the team looks to end a four-game losing streak and remain in the Play-In race. The Clippers enter the matchup at 34 36, ninth in the Western Conference, trying to regain momentum, while Dallas comes in at 23 47, 13th in the West, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

The Clippers’ injury report makes Leonard’s status especially important. Injuries have ruled out Bradley Beal, while Bennedict Mathurin and Yanick Konan Niederhauser remain sidelined. Los Angeles cannot afford to lose another key piece as they fight to stay in the NBA Play-In picture.

The importance of Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers enter the matchup at 34-36, ninth in the Western Conference, trying to regain momentum, while Dallas comes in at 23-47, 13th in the West, looking to snap a two-game losing streak. They turned their season around earlier in the month, climbing the standings and moving above .500. They now find themselves on a four-game losing streak, with Kawhi Leonard missing two of the last three games due to an ankle injury.

Kawhi Leonard has remained elite this season. Through 54 games, he is averaging 28.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three, and 89.8 percent from the free throw line.

In the last game he played, despite being visibly uncomfortable, Leonard led Los Angeles against the New Orleans Pelicans, and even though he finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes, the Clippers suffered their third consecutive loss.

Mavericks are not in optimal form

For the Clippers, there is also some positive news, as Dallas is not arriving in the best condition. The Mavericks are dealing with key absences; Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are out, along with Brandon Williams, but they still have Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson, who can make an impact.

“I’ve learned a ton throughout this whole year about myself. About the game of basketball. About the people around me,” Flagg said. “I think I’ve learned a lot about life. It’s been a big learning year for me, and I’ve had to mature a lot. So it’s been a good year.”

Amid a stellar 2025-26 season that placed him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation, Flagg recorded his 25th game with 20 or more points in Friday’s 138-135 loss against the Cavaliers. The performance set a new NBA record, surpassing Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant for the most 20-point games by a teenager. Cooper finished with 25 points on 8 for 16 shooting, along with five assists and four rebounds.

Will Cooper Flagg be the Rookie of the Year?

At first glance, everything appears to point toward him winning Rookie of the Year because of the impressive level he has maintained. However, he faces strong competition from his former college teammate Kon Knueppel.

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg’s odds of winning the award remain strong, but questions remain about what could improve his chances. That topic was recently addressed by NBA insider Marc Stein, who considered the Mavericks’ situation and their positioning regarding the lottery.

At the same time, the Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a playoff team, and Knueppel has played a significant role in that rise. With the Mavericks’ season winding down, Flagg’s chances of winning Rookie of the Year could remain uncertain, as Stein noted, per The All-NBA Podcast.

“The Mavs have 18 games left, and the truth is, if they can go 0 – 18, it would be the best thing for them. That’s the way the system is,” Stein said on the All-NBA podcast. “The way the system is structured, the best thing for the Mavs is to lose and to lose royally, and that’s obviously not going to be great if you’re chasing Rookie of the Year.”

Dallas released its updated report ahead of the matchup at TD Garden, listing Klay Thompson as probable with a right adductor contusion. However, good news also arrived for the Mavericks, as Cooper Flagg did not appear on the injury report after recently returning from a left midfoot sprain that sidelined him for nearly a month.

Thompson also delivered a strong performance in Thursday’s narrow loss, leading the Mavericks with 24 points. The 36-year-old added four rebounds, one assist, and one steal while knocking down 7 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc in 26 minutes.

Now in his second season with the Mavericks, Thompson is averaging 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 55 games, including eight starts. The veteran guard is shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range while playing 22 minutes per game.

The presence of Cooper Flagg is key

Flagg also returned to the courts on Thursday after being absent with injury in the Mavericks 115 114 loss to the Orlando Magic. Cooper Flagg finished with 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, four blocks and one steal while shooting 7 for 22 from the field and 1 for 4 from three-point range across 26 minutes.

Flagg has emerged as one of the Mavericks’ key contributors during his rookie campaign. Across 50 games this NBA season, the forward is averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 30.1 percent from three-point range in 33.9 minutes per game, pointing to be the rookie of the season competing against Kdnueppel.

The most anticipated return at TD Garden

Tatum, who was originally listed as questionable for Friday night’s game against the Mavericks, has officially been cleared and is available to play, the Celtics announced. One thing to watch is how much Tatum will actually play in his return, as he faces a strict minutes restriction.

According to the official NBA injury report released Friday afternoon, Tatum has been upgraded to available. This marks his first game action in 298 days, dating back to May 2025, when he suffered the injury during Game 4 of the Celtics’ Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the New York Knicks.

The news is a massive boost for a Celtics squad that has performed admirably in his absence, posting an impressive 41-21 record. While the team has thrived behind MVP-caliber play from Jaylen Brown, the reintegration of an All-NBA talent like Tatum is expected to elevate Boston’s ceiling as they prepare for a deep postseason run.

Tatum was a cornerstone of Joe Mazzulla’s system, and Sam Hauser echoed that sentiment following Thursday’s practice. Speaking with reporters, Hauser highlighted the unique impact the star wing brings to the lineup. “He does so many things on the basketball court that are very hard, but he makes it look really easy,” Hauser stated.

However, Tatum has missed 62 games this season, and reintegrating him at this stage of the campaign could prove challenging. “We only have 20 games left, so it’s going to have to be a quick process whenever that happens,” he added regarding Tatum’s adjustment to the rotation. “And as much as you want a grace period for that, we don’t really have that luxury”.

Jaylen Brown’s leadership in the interim

Entering the season, many questioned whether the Celtics could remain elite without their primary star. After an 0-3 start, Brown took the reins of the franchise, evolving into a premier playmaker and vocal leader. Brown, the reigning 2024 NBA Finals MVP, is currently averaging career highs of 28.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

Tatum’s return is expected to alleviate the offensive burden on Brown, allowing the shooting guard to focus more on his elite scoring while Tatum restores the team’s half-court versatility. Despite the long layoff, Tatum is expected to be on a minutes restriction tonight as the training staff monitors his workload in a live-game environment.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Mavericks have listed Flagg as questionable (left midfoot sprain) for tonight’s game in Orlando. This marks a significant upgrade for the No. 1 overall pick, who had been listed as “out” or “doubtful” for the previous eight contests.

The former Duke standout has not played since suffering the injury during the Mavericks’ 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns on February 20. Before the layoff, Flagg was the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, posting dominant averages of 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

However, Flagg’s extended absence has allowed his former college teammate, Kon Knueppel, to surge ahead in the ROY race. The Charlotte Hornets star is currently averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists through 62 games, capitalizing on Flagg’s time on the sidelines to become the new betting favorite for the award.

Mavericks depth tested by growing injury list

The Mavericks find themselves in a desperate fight for a Play-In spot, currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. Their struggles have been amplified without their rookie star; Dallas managed just two wins in the eight games Flagg missed. His return is viewed as essential if the team hopes to salvage their postseason aspirations.

Flagg is far from the only name on a crowded injury report. While Naji Marshall (right finger contusion) and Klay Thompson (right adductor contusion) are listed as probable, the team remains severely short-handed.

Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Marvin Bagley III have all been ruled out for tonight’s contest, leaving head coach Jason Kidd with limited rotation options against the Magic.