Date: February 13, 2026 By: NBA Buzz
Just when the spotlight was ready to shine brightest, the curtain came crashing down.
The basketball world was ready to crown its new prince this weekend. Cooper Flagg, the rookie sensation who has single-handedly carried the Dallas Mavericks through a chaotic season, has been officially ruled OUT of the NBA All-Star Weekend.
🚨 The Diagnosis: Midfoot Sprain
The devastating news dropped like a bomb on Wednesday night. The Mavericks confirmed that Flagg suffered a left midfoot sprain during Tuesday’s tough loss to the Phoenix Suns.
In true warrior fashion, Flagg actually finished that game, dropping 27 points and refusing to quit on his team. But an MRI the next morning revealed the damage was too severe to ignore. The injury forced him to miss Thursday’s marquee matchup against LeBron James and the Lakers, and now, it has stolen his first All-Star experience.
🚫 No Rising Stars for the Phenom
Flagg was set to headline the Rising Stars tournament as the jewel of Team Melo (captained by Carmelo Anthony). Fans were salivating at the chance to see him team up with other young guns like Stephon Castle.
Instead, Flagg will be watching from home in a walking boot. The NBA has announced that Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey will take his place. No disrespect to Bailey, but the weekend just lost its biggest jolt of electricity.
📉 A Season of “What Ifs” for Dallas
This injury is the latest punch to the gut for a Mavericks franchise that has been reeling.
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They are on an 8-game losing streak.
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They just traded Anthony Davis in a shock move.
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Luka Dončić is already gone (and injured in LA).
Cooper Flagg was the one good thing happening in Dallas. He’s the Rookie of the Year frontrunner, averaging over 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. He has been the lone bright spot in a dark season, and now, even he is sidelined.
⏳ When Will He Return?
The silver lining? Reports suggest this isn’t a season-ender. The Mavericks are targeting a return immediately after the All-Star break, potentially for the February 20th showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
