In a significant boost for the Dallas Mavericks, forward Cooper Flagg has been cleared to play and is expected to be on the court tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. The promising young player is no longer listed on the official NBA injury report and will be available for action after sitting out the team's previous matchup.
Flagg's Ankle Injury Timeline and Management
The Dallas Mavericks organization held Flagg out of their last game as a precautionary measure to manage soreness in his left ankle. This decision followed a careful monitoring period where the team prioritized long-term health over short-term availability.
How the Ankle Issue Developed
Cooper Flagg initially hurt his left ankle during a game against the Denver Nuggets back on January 14. The injury forced him to leave that contest early and subsequently miss the next two games. After returning to action for three consecutive appearances, the Mavericks' medical staff chose to rest him during a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the first night of a back-to-back set.
The team has consistently treated this ankle concern as something requiring careful management rather than a fresh injury. Earlier this week, Flagg was listed as questionable on the injury report, but by game day he had been completely removed from the list. There have been no new complications reported since his precautionary rest, and barring any last-minute changes during pre-game warmups, he will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.
What Flagg's Return Means for Dallas
With Cooper Flagg back in the rotation, the Dallas Mavericks regain a crucial defensive presence and additional ball-handling capability. Over his last eight appearances before the injury, Flagg has been averaging approximately 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one and a half steals per game while logging around 30 minutes of court time.
His versatility allows him to play both wing positions and function as a forward who can initiate offensive sets. This return comes at an important time for Dallas, who continue to operate without several regular rotation players including Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum, and Anthony Davis. Even with these absences, Flagg's presence helps stabilize the team's rotation and provides much-needed depth.
Why Dallas Has Been Cautious
The Dallas Mavericks' medical and coaching staff have implemented a deliberate approach to ensure a minor ankle issue doesn't escalate into something more serious. Part of this strategy involves resting Cooper Flagg during back-to-back game situations, recognizing that his playing style depends heavily on quick lateral movements and perimeter defensive intensity.
By providing additional recovery time now, the organization aims to maintain Flagg's health throughout the remainder of the season. This explains why he was held out earlier in the week despite having already returned from the initial injury once before.
What to Watch For in Tonight's Matchup
As the Dallas Mavericks face the Charlotte Hornets on January 29, 2026, several key factors will be worth monitoring regarding Cooper Flagg's return to action.
First, his minutes will likely be carefully managed, with expectations that he'll play approximately 30 minutes unless the game remains exceptionally close in the final stages. Defensively, Flagg could draw the assignment of guarding one of Charlotte's primary scorers, potentially matching up against Brandon Miller or Josh Green for significant stretches.
On the offensive end, with Kyrie Irving unavailable, Flagg may assume greater ball-handling responsibilities. He possesses the ability to bring the ball up the court, execute simple passes, and maintain offensive flow. Should any last-minute changes occur to his status, it would likely represent another precautionary decision based on how his ankle responds during pre-game preparations. For now, all indications point toward his full participation in tonight's contest.
