The Dallas Mavericks are set to take on the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. However, it appears the club already knows the designation for star rookie Cooper Flagg and newly acquired veteran Khris Middleton for this contest.
Reports indicate that Flagg is officially ruled out for the game against the Kings, while Middleton is listed as questionable, according to NBA Insider Marc Stein. Flagg will miss his fifth consecutive game for the Mavericks. PJ Washington is also ruled out on the injury report.
“The Mavericks' Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) will miss his fifth straight game Thursday when Sacramento visits Dallas… Dallas has also ruled out P.J. Washington (ankle) and lists Khris Middleton (shoulder) as questionable.”
While Flagg is still dealing with a foot injury, he is seemingly still in the running for the Rookie of the Year Award, per Stein. With his return up in the air, Stein reminds fans that the 65-game rule does not apply to the ROY award.
“Cooper Flagg last played for Dallas on Feb. 10 but has missed just eight games total this season. Also: The NBA's 65-game rule, remember, is not applied to the Rookie of the Year race.”
The 19-year-old phenom has played in 49 games in his first season in the league. He's been as advertised so far, filling in at point guard and averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the three-point line.
The Mavericks will continue monitoring Cooper Flagg's injury in the coming days. Meanwhile, the franchise will likely reveal Khris Middleton's official status before tipping off against the Kings on Thursday night.
