🏀 Cooper Flagg Injury Update: When Will He Be Back and Return to Mavericks?

Dallas Mavericks superstar Cooper Flagg is currently dealing with the first significant injury of his NBA career. Flagg injured his foot in a Feb. 10 game against the Phoenix Suns. Mavs fans and fantasy basketball owners are now asking when will Flagg return and be back on the court for Dallas? Below, we will look at how long Flagg is expected to be out for and take a glance at his NBA Rookie of the Year odds.

When will Cooper Flagg return and be back on the court?

Flagg suffered a left midfoot sprain earlier this month. He was spotted at his alma mater, Duke University, last weekend wearing a walking boot. This image immediately sent Mavs backers and Flagg fantasy owners into a panic, but this injury is not believed to be longterm.

In fact, Flagg is believed to be close to returning now that the NBA All-Star break is in the rearview mirror.

Athletes typically recover from a mild foot sprain within 2-4 weeks. Flagg is projected to be on the shorter side of that timeline, though he has only been out for nine days thus far.

Here is a look at potential games in which Flagg is expected to return.

• Friday, Feb. 20: Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves
• Sunday, Feb. 22: Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers
• Tuesday, Feb. 24: Dallas Mavericks at Brooklyn Nets
• Thursday, Feb. 26: Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks
• Friday, Feb. 27: Memphis Grizzlies at Dallas Mavericks

The Feb. 26 home date against the Kings is one to circle. While initial reports were that Flagg will be available “immediately” after the NBA All-Star break, there is also little incentive to rush the franchise cornerstone back quickly. An extra week off would allow Flagg to stay in Dallas and rest up for the three-game home stand that starts at the end of the month.

How long will Cooper Flagg be out for?

Factoring in to Flagg’s return is the NBA Rookie of the Year award race. NBA players must play at least 65-out-of-82 games to be eligible for postseason awards.

Flagg has played in 49 of the Mavs’ 54 games so far this season. Given that the Mavericks are 19-35 so far this season and do not have much hope for a postseason berth, let alone a deep playoff run, Flagg returning so quickly indicates that he is truly focusing on winning NBA ROY.

NBA Rookie of the Year odds

Flagg remains in the catbird seat to win NBA Rookie of the Year despite the injury. The Maine native currently has -750 NBA Rookie of the Year odds. The Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel has the second-lowest odds at the best NBA betting sites at +500.

Flagg is having a sensational rookie NBA season, as he is pumping in 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.