NBA

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Sidelined for Home Opener Following Shoulder Injury

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 25, 2026, 00:13 IST

Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs after an MRI confirmed a mild left shoulder sprain sustained during Friday's win over Indiana.

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Sidelined for Home Opener Following Shoulder Injury

The Dallas Mavericks will be without star forward Cooper Flagg for their highly anticipated home opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The team confirmed the development following medical assessments conducted earlier in the day.

An MRI performed on Saturday morning revealed that the 19-year-old is suffering from a mild left shoulder sprain. The organization has indicated that Flagg will remain sidelined for the immediate future, with a formal re-evaluation of his condition scheduled for next week.

Injury Sustained in Victory Over Pacers

The injury occurred during the second quarter of Friday night's road victory against the Indiana Pacers. Flagg was involved in a collision following a hard foul by Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith while on a breakaway. The contact resulted in a flagrant foul, and Flagg was forced to leave the contest shortly thereafter, ultimately failing to return to the court.

Prior to his premature exit, the sophomore forward had been contributing significantly to the Mavericks' efforts. In just 17 minutes of play, he recorded 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. His absence for the upcoming home fixture marks a setback for the team, which is looking to build on the momentum of their recent win.

Strong Start to Sophomore Campaign

Flagg, who holds the title of reigning Rookie of the Year, had entered his second professional season in exceptional form. His performance in the campaign opener against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday saw him register 32 points, establishing a new record for the highest-scoring season-opening performance by a teenager in league history.

As the Mavericks prepare to face the Spurs, the focus shifts to how the roster will adjust in the absence of their key playmaker. The team is expected to provide further updates regarding Flagg's availability following his medical review next week.