Cooper Flagg will miss the Dallas Mavericks’ home opener against San Antonio on Saturday after an MRI revealed a mild left shoulder sprain, the team announced.
The reigning Rookie of the Year will be reevaluated next week, leaving Dallas without its young forward one night after its first victory of the season.
Flagg suffered the injury late in Friday’s 121-105 win at Indiana, when Aaron Nesmith fouled him from behind on a breakaway, Dallas Sports Journal reported.
Officials assessed Nesmith a flagrant 1. Flagg made both free throws before leaving for the locker room with 59.7 seconds remaining in the first half.
He did not return, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals in 17 minutes. Dallas led 77-43 at the break.
The Associated Press report said Flagg landed on his left shoulder behind the baseline. Saturday’s MRI supplied a diagnosis after the initial report of soreness.
The Mavericks have not announced a return date. Reevaluation next week establishes the next medical checkpoint, rather than guaranteeing he will be available immediately afterward.
Naji Marshall started the second half in Flagg’s place against Indiana and finished with 15 points, six assists and three steals, providing Dallas another productive option.
That performance gives the Mavericks something to build on, although Flagg’s contribution extended beyond scoring. His six assists and three steals highlighted the range Dallas must replace.
Flagg had opened the season with 32 points in Wednesday’s 128-110 loss at Houston. He made 10 of 17 shots in that game before Friday’s interruption.
Last season, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. His early production this week had offered Dallas an encouraging start to his second NBA season.
Saturday also marks coach Dusty May’s home debut. The change in Flagg’s status adds an immediate adjustment after Dallas split its first two games on the road.
After hosting San Antonio, Dallas visits Miami on Monday before returning home for six of its next seven games, Field Level Media reported.
The immediate challenge is filling Flagg’s minutes while preparing for that stretch. His next evaluation will help clarify how long those adjustments need to remain in place.
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