The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Ahead of the contest, there were questions about Cooper Flagg‘s availability. During the Mavericks’ 123-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the rookie forward had to leave the game. It was an injury scare that didn’t last for long, since he returned to action shortly.
But there was still concern about his availability on Friday. The match against the Clippers is an NBA Cup game, the team’s second of the season. On Nov. 7, the Mavericks played their first In-Season Tournament event against the Memphis Grizzlies. Unfortunately, Dallas was unable to keep up and lost to the Grizzlies 118-104.
Flagg was bothered by a minor shoulder setback against the Suns. The good news is that he’ll suit up for the Mavericks tonight.
After the loss to the Suns, Cooper Flagg talked to the media. According to him, he felt banged up, but his condition wasn’t that concerning.
“No injuries,” Flagg said. “I’m a little banged up. It’s a lot of games, that’s a little different; you know, not as much time in-between, so I think the body is adjusting. I’m getting with strength coaches, medical staff, and everybody. I’ll be alright.”
I asked Cooper Flagg if he had an injuries.
"[Chuckles] man, no. No injuries. I'm a little banged up. It's a lot of games, that's a little different; you know not as much time in-between so I think the body is adjusting. I'm getting with strength coaches, medical staff and… pic.twitter.com/yeZK7JNDi1
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) November 13, 2025
The Mavericks were able to examine and determine how hurt the young player was on Thursday. This allowed him to get ready for the game on Friday.
Based on Dallas’ injury report, the team won’t have Anthony Davis and PJ Washington, who are both listed as questionable. Davis is dealing with a left calf strain, and the Mavericks’ ownership wants to make sure the star big man is 100% healthy before he returns to action. Washington, meanwhile, suffered a left shoulder strain against Phoenix.
Jason Kidd’s son comments on Cooper Flagg starting at point guard
The Mavericks are in the experimental stage with Cooper Flagg. With his talent and physical attributes, the coaching staff believes he has what it takes to be an elite facilitator. Since the regular season started, head coach Jason Kidd has played Flagg at point guard.
This has received mixed reviews from fans. Even Kidd’s son, TJ, had something to say about Flagg playing point guard.
“I don’t know why he’s playing him at point guard. That doesn’t make any sense to me. He’s not a point guard. I know that. I think he’s a great basketball player with a huge future, and I wish them the best. But yeah… I don’t get it. I don’t get the decision-making,” the son of the Hall of Fame guard said.
Jason Kidd's son, TJ Kidd, publicly criticizes the struggling 3-8 Dallas Mavs (14th West) for starting rookie Cooper Flagg at point guard in Kyrie Irving's absence.
🔗 Full Story Here – https://t.co/DKYSnFlqrG
The comments were made during a phone call posted on YouTube:
"I… https://t.co/dQbvnFGrLu pic.twitter.com/EVN2KyL9VR
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) November 12, 2025
As a guard, Flagg has averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists. It’s still unclear how long Kidd plans to play him at point guard. Naturally, the 6-foot-9 player has always played small forward. But the head coach sees something special in making him the Mavericks’ floor general.
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Follow me on- X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
