Dallas Mavericks Injury Update: Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg Status Explained Ahead of Knicks Game

The Dallas Mavericks have issued a major injury update before facing the New York Knicks, with Anthony Davis ruled out and Cooper Flagg downgraded to questionable. The team listed seven total players on the report for Wednesday’s matchup. This Dallas Mavericks injury update outlines every confirmed detail so far.

The latest report shows multiple illnesses, lingering injuries and long-term absences shaping the Mavericks’ rotation. Team officials confirmed the update hours before tip-off, shifting expectations for both teams. The game carries added weight as Dallas continues to manage an unstable lineup early in the season.

Full Breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks Injury Update

Rookie forward Cooper Flagg remains the biggest storyline entering the Knicks matchup. Flagg has been playing through a right thumb splint since suffering the injury during a dunk in the Mavericks’ win over the Washington Wizards on November 10. He has worn protective gear and remained available in all games since the injury.

However, Dallas has now downgraded him to questionable due to illness. This marks the first time this season that Flagg faces the possibility of missing a game. Team officials noted that the thumb itself is not keeping him out; his status depends on whether the illness improves closer to game time. This marks a notable shift, given his recent importance in the rotation.

Centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II were both sidelined during Monday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gafford reaggravated an ankle issue during the overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers, while Lively was rested as part of his return plan from a right knee injury. Both players are now listed as probable and are expected to be available.

Caleb Martin has also surfaced on the injury report due to illness. The Mavericks listed him as questionable, making him the second player affected by non-injury-related health concerns.

Anthony Davis remains out for at least one more week as he continues recovering from a left calf strain suffered on October 29 during a narrow loss to the Indiana Pacers. The team emphasized that Davis’ timeline has not changed and he will not be available against the Knicks.

Rookie Ryan Nembhard is set to miss his fifth straight game due to a left knee sprain. His return timetable remains week-to-week.

Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are still sidelined as they work back from knee injuries that have kept both players from making their season debuts. No definitive update has been provided on their return windows. According to reporting from outlets such as Associated Press, both remain in early stages of their recovery programs.

With seven players on the latest list, the Mavericks enter Wednesday’s contest managing one of their heaviest injury reports of the season. The lineup uncertainty has already affected rotations, defensive matchups and late-game execution in recent outings.

How This Injury Report Shapes the Mavericks’ Game Plan

The combination of illness, ankle issues and long-term absences forces Dallas to prepare multiple lineup variations. Cooper Flagg’s uncertain status is especially significant, as he has quickly become one of the team’s most versatile defenders.

If Gafford and Lively return as expected, Dallas regains size and rim protection—two areas that were exposed in the Minnesota loss. Caleb Martin’s illness adds an additional rotation concern on the wing, especially with Davis, Irving and Exum unavailable.

This stretch highlights how the Mavericks are still searching for continuity early in the season. Avoiding additional setbacks will be crucial as Dallas enters a challenging slate of games.

In summary, the Dallas Mavericks injury update confirms Anthony Davis remains out, Cooper Flagg is questionable with illness, and several key rotational players are battling injuries or recovery restrictions. Dallas enters the Knicks matchup with major uncertainty surrounding its depth and availability.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Cooper Flagg questionable for the Mavericks?

Flagg is listed as questionable because of illness. His thumb injury has not kept him out, but his availability depends on how he feels before tip-off.

Q2: When will Anthony Davis return for the Mavericks?

Davis is expected to be out for at least a week. The team says his left calf strain continues to be monitored with no early return expected.

Q3: Are Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II playing tonight?

Both players are listed as probable. They missed the Timberwolves game but are likely to return against the Knicks.

Q4: What is the status of Kyrie Irving?

Irving has not yet made his season debut due to a knee injury. The Mavericks have not provided a clear return timeline.

Q5: How many Mavericks players are on the injury report?

Seven players appear on the latest report, including Davis, Flagg, Martin, Nembhard, Irving, Exum, Gafford and Lively II.