Cooper Flagg Injury Update: Is the Mavericks Rookie Facing a Bigger Problem?

The Dallas Mavericks suffered another setback in their difficult start to the season, and the latest Cooper Flagg injury update has raised concerns again. The rookie forward hurt his shoulder early in the loss to the Phoenix Suns on November 13, though he later returned to the floor. The Mavs, already overwhelmed by injuries across the roster, now face even more questions about their depth.

Flagg initially suffered the shoulder issue against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the pain resurfaced after a collision with Grayson Allen. He briefly exited the game but assured reporters afterward that he expects to continue playing. With the Mavericks sitting at 3–9 and several key players still unavailable, his health has become even more important.

Mavericks Dealing With Multiple Setbacks as Cooper Flagg Pushes Through Injury

Cooper Flagg described his condition as a normal adjustment to the NBA’s intense schedule. He said he is working closely with strength coaches and the medical staff to stay on the court. He scored 16 points in the loss to the Suns but shot only 6-of-15, likely affected by the shoulder discomfort. However, his defensive work remained sharp with three steals and two blocks.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, continue to deal with a long list of absences. Kyrie Irving has yet to return to action. Anthony Davis remains out as he awaits medical clearance. Dereck Lively II has missed nine straight games with a knee sprain. The team entered the Suns matchup already missing three starters — and soon lost a fourth.

PJ Washington, who has been one of the Mavericks’ most consistent scorers this season, exited after just five minutes with a left shoulder strain. He had scored six quick points before the injury forced him out. No official update on his status has been issued yet, but the situation adds another layer of concern for a roster with minimal margin for error.

Trusted outlets such as the Associated Press have reported extensively on the Mavericks’ early-season struggles, including their league-worst offensive rating. With so many injuries disrupting the rotation, Dallas’ scoring has been inconsistent and often stagnant. Flagg’s continued availability is essential for the team to maintain competitiveness night after night.

Still, the rookie sounded encouraged after the game. He noted that several teammates stepped up in Washington’s absence and praised the collective effort in the second half. The Mavericks will need that same resilience until their stars are healthy again.

What the Mavericks Must Fix While Managing Cooper Flagg’s Injury

The Mavericks face a challenging stretch. Their three-point shooting sits near the bottom of the league despite having reliable shooters like Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell and Max Christie. Without Irving running the offense, many of those looks are contested and rushed.

Flagg’s injury makes that task harder. He has taken on more offensive responsibility than expected for a rookie, and further strain risks aggravating the shoulder issue. The team can’t afford to lose him, especially with Washington also sidelined.

Klay Thompson provided a positive sign by hitting six threes against Phoenix. If he regains rhythm, it could ease pressure on Flagg until the roster heals. Naji Marshall, coming off a 30-point game earlier this month, may also step into a larger scoring role.

For now, the Cooper Flagg injury update offers cautious optimism. He expects to keep playing, but the Mavericks must protect him from overuse. With several players nearing their returns, Dallas hopes the worst of the injury crisis is behind them.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Cooper Flagg expected to miss any games?

No. He said the shoulder injury is manageable and that he can play through it. The team will monitor him closely.

Q2: How serious is Cooper Flagg’s shoulder issue?

It is described as nagging but not severe. He first injured it against the Thunder and aggravated it against the Suns.

Q3: When will Kyrie Irving return?

The Mavericks have not provided a clear timeline. He remains sidelined with no immediate expectation of return.

Q4: What happened to PJ Washington?

Washington left the Suns game with a left shoulder strain. The team has not yet issued an updated evaluation.

Q5: Can the Mavericks improve their offense without their stars?

They can improve with better shooting and more consistent ball movement. Role players must step into larger roles.