Following three consecutive losses, the Dallas Mavericks (21-39) pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets (30-31) on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Dallas could need all hands on deck, as the Hornets are 7-3 in the last 10 games. However, Mavericks F Cooper Flagg continues to deal with a foot injury. Will he finally suit up on Tuesday night after sitting out since Feb. 10 after he was seen in warm-ups in Charlotte?
Here is the latest Cooper Flagg injury update, and when he could return, followed by how Flagg's injury news could impact PrizePicks NBA picks for the Mavericks vs. Hornets game tonight.
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Cooper Flagg Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Hornets?
Flagg is in danger of missing his eighth consecutive game tonight, as the official NBA injury report lists the rookie as doubtful due to a foot sprain.
He’s been consistently listed as day-to-day for over a week, and this is the first time his status has been upgraded from out. While the former No. 1 pick is likely bound to miss another game, upgrading to doubtful could suggest a return is near.
Dallas needs the help, as Flagg leads the rotation with 20.4 points per game (PPG) and 1.2 steals per game. Plus, he records a healthy 6.6 rebounds per game (RPG) and 4.1 assists per game (APG).
Flagg was coming off his best month of the season in January, averaging 27.3 points per game.
According to FantasyLabs, the Duke product leads the team with a 25.9% usage rate. For now, the Mavs may need increased production from rotational players against the Hornets.
When Will Cooper Flagg Return From Injury?
Flagg was seen going through his pregame warm-up routine before Tuesday's game, an encouraging sign for his return from injury.
That type of participation signals that even if the Rookie of the Year candidate is not ready to play tonight, he could be ready for the Mavs game in Orlando on Thursday, or the following day vs. the Celtics.
Returning soon is a must if Flagg hopes to stay in the race for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award; currently, Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel — who set the all-time rookie record for 3-pointers in a season — is the ROY favorite, with a 1.72x payout to win the award on PrizePicks Team Picks.
Flagg trails right behind him with a 2.08x payout if picked to win. No other single rookie has a payout lower than 33x.
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Cooper Flagg Injury Impact: Which Mavericks Players to Target?
Alongside Flagg on the injury report, Mavericks G Klay Thompson (adductor) is also doubtful. That’s another key piece, proven by his 11.5 PPG and team-high 7.5 3-point attempts per game.
Dunks & Threes ranks the Hornets 10th in 3-point shot distribution allowed, easing the potential absence of Thompson. The matchup suggests attacking the rim, as Charlotte is 21st in rim shot distribution allowed.
When Flagg and Thompson are off the court, Mavericks G Brandon Williams sees a +2.9% increase in usage rate. He leads Dallas with a 28.3% usage rate in the split.
The 6’1” guard can attack the Hornets’ interior weakness, as he shoots only 2.4 3-pointers per game and takes 57.8% of his field goal attempts within 10 feet of the rim. Williams posts 13.0 PPG on the season and has increased that to 15.7 PPG during Flagg’s seven-game absence.
Brandon Williams vs. Hornets Projections, Picks
Check out Williams’ projections on PrizePicks for Tuesday’s date with the Hornets.
- 16.5 Points
- 23.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 12.5 FG Attempted
- 9.5 2-pointers Attempted
- 28 Fantasy Score
Make Mavericks vs. Hornets Picks on PrizePicks
Flagg’s upgraded status brings hope for the Mavericks, but they could be without the star rookie on Tuesday night against the Hornets. Williams’ high usage draws attention for NBA picks on Tuesday.
You can make your Mavericks vs. Hornets picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make NBA predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 34 states.
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