Cooper Flagg will sit out Saturday night when the Dallas Mavericks host the San Antonio Spurs after an MRI found a mild left shoulder sprain.
The Mavericks said Flagg will be checked again next week. The reigning Rookie of the Year was hurt late in the first half of Friday’s 121-105 win over Indiana, ending a strong opening stretch to his second season.
Flagg injured on transition play in Indiana
Flagg had picked off a pass near midcourt and was attacking the rim for what appeared to be a dunk attempt when Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith fouled him from behind. The contact was assessed as a Flagrant 1.
Flagg came down beyond the baseline and landed on his left shoulder. He did not return after the play.
Before leaving, Flagg had 14 points in 17 minutes, adding five rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Dallas carried a 77-43 lead into halftime before closing out the 16-point victory.
Dallas opens home schedule under Dusty May
Saturday will mark the home coaching debut for Dusty May, who arrived in Dallas after leading Michigan to last season’s NCAA championship.
The Mavericks will be without their lead young wing after Flagg opened the season with 32 points in Wednesday’s 128-110 loss at Houston. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season on the way to Rookie of the Year honors.
Dallas has not announced a timetable beyond next week’s reevaluation, leaving Flagg’s availability after the Spurs game dependent on how the shoulder responds.
