Cooper Flagg Injury: Latest Update on Mavericks Star After Exiting Pacers Game

Cooper Flagg suffered an injury during the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Indiana Pacers.

by Ayomide Adeduyite

Oct 23, 2026

Cooper Flagg suffered an injury during the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Indiana Pacers.

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks were looking to bounce back after a blowout loss to the Houston Rockets in their season opener. Flagg was leading the response against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. However, the Mavericks’ strong start was interrupted by a concerning moment late in the first half.

Flagg got off to a hot start, recording 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range. He also had five rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block as Dallas built a commanding 77-43 halftime lead. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year was making an impact on both ends of the floor before the incident.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32)

With 1:03 remaining in the second quarter, Aaron Nesmith fouled Flagg as the Mavericks forward went up for a transition dunk, sending him hard to the floor. Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the foul to a flagrant one. Naji Marshall and Nesmith also received double technicals. After having his left shoulder examined, Flagg took the technical free throw before heading to the locker room.

Flagg did not return to start the second half, and was eventually ruled out with left shoulder soreness, per the Mavericks.

Dallas will be hoping the injury is not serious. The 19-year-old is central to the franchise’s plans, and losing him for any length of time would be a significant setback as the Mavericks try to improve on last season.

Flagg enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign after Dallas selected him first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game across 70 appearances, establishing himself as the team’s leading young star and earning Rookie of the Year honors.

The Mavericks need his scoring, playmaking and defensive versatility as they build around him and integrate Kyrie Irving following the veteran guard’s return from a torn ACL.

Dallas will face the San Antonio Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday, and Flagg’s status will be worth monitoring.