Cooper Flagg to Miss Rising Stars Challenge With Injury

Charlie Zschau Published: Feb 12 2026 23:16

Cooper Flagg to sit-out All-Star weekend with a foot injury, we'll take a look at his injury timeline and potential return dates.

The 2025 1st overall pick - Cooper Flagg - is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists 49 games into his NBA career.

Flagg's impressive play was rewarded when he was selected first overall in the NBA Rising Stars Challenge Draft by Carmelo Anthony. Unfortunately for Melo and his team, Flagg will not play in the game after picking up a foot injury on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.

Flagg scored 27 points in 36 minutes, but an MRI after the game showed a mild left midfoot sprain.

Cooper Flagg's Injury Timeline

The Dallas Mavericks announced that Flagg would miss the team's game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 12th, and the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game the next day.

It is unclear how much time Flagg will miss, but a mild foot sprain typically requires 2-4 weeks of rest depending on the severity of the injury. With the Mavericks expected to miss the playoffs, I would expect them to be very cautious with their 19-year-old future star.

While Flagg misses games, the Mavericks could try and lose some games in the hopes of getting a better pick in the 2026 NBA Draft that will pair well with Flagg for years to come.

Cooper Flagg's Potential Return Dates

Dallas plays 10 of their first 13 games after the All-Star break on the road, but they do have a three game home stand at the end of February and early March in that stretch.

If Flagg's injury is not too serious, I would expect him to come back during that stretch.

Mavericks' three game homestand schedule: