Date: February 12, 2026 By: NBA Wire
The Dallas Mavericks and NBA fans worldwide received a tough blow this Thursday morning. The team has officially announced that rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has been ruled out of tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers and will not participate in the NBA Rising Stars game this weekend due to a left midfoot sprain.
The Diagnosis
The injury occurred during Tuesday night’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, a game where Flagg logged 36 minutes and dropped 27 points despite the team’s struggles. After the game, the Mavericks medical staff sent Flagg for an MRI, which confirmed the sprain on Wednesday.
While midfoot sprains can be tricky, initial reports suggest optimism for a quick recovery. Sources indicate that the injury is not expected to be long-term, with the team targeting a return immediately after the All-Star break when the Mavericks face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 20.
A Missed Showdown in LA
The timing couldn’t be worse for NBA narratives. Tonight’s matchup between the Mavericks and Lakers was slated to be a showcase of the league’s past, present, and future. However, the game will now be missing its two biggest headliners.
In a cruel twist of fate, former Maverick and current Laker Luka Dončić is also ruled out of tonight’s contest with a hamstring injury. Fans hoping to see the “Ghost of Mavs Past” vs. the “Future of the Franchise” will have to wait. With Flagg out, the Mavericks—who are currently mired in an eight-game losing streak—face an uphill battle to snap their skid at Crypto.com Arena.
Rising Stars Absence
Flagg’s absence from the Rising Stars game on Friday is a significant disappointment for All-Star Weekend in Inglewood. As the runaway frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Flagg was the marquee attraction for the event.
He has been nothing short of historic this season, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Just weeks ago, he set the NBA record for the most points by a teenager with a 49-point explosion against Charlotte.
The NBA league office is expected to name an injury replacement for Flagg on the Rising Stars roster shortly.
The Silver Lining
If there is a silver lining for Dallas, it is the timing. With the All-Star break beginning tomorrow, Flagg will have over a week of rest without missing significant game action. The Mavericks need him healthy if they have any hope of salvaging a season that has been plagued by injuries to key stars like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.
Get well soon, Cooper. The league is better when you’re on the floor.
