On Thursday evening, the Dallas Mavericks will play the Sacramento Kings (at home) in Texas.
The Mavs are coming off a 123-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in New York.
Naji Marshall, Brandon Williams and Marvin Bagley combined to score 62 points.
Cooper Flagg missed his fourth straight game.
Cooper Flagg’s Status Announced Before Kings-Mavs Showdown
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 16: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on November 16, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Before Thursday’s game against the Kings, the Mavs announced that Flag has been ruled out (and will miss his fifth straight game).
Kevin Gray Jr. of DLLS Mavs wrote: “Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has been ruled OUT with his left midfoot sprain P.J. Washington (left ankle sprain) is OUT & Daniel Gafford is DOUBTFUL (right ankle injury management) Khris Middleton is QUESTIONABLE with his right shoulder stinger vs. the Kings #MFFL”
P.J. Washington (left ankle sprain) is OUT & Daniel Gafford is DOUBTFUL (right ankle injury management)
Khris Middleton is QUESTIONABLE with his right shoulder stinger vs. the Kings #MFFL
Flagg was the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after an incredible season of college basketball at Duke (where they reached the Final Four).
Right now, he is averaging 20.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 48.2% from the field and 30.2% from three-point range in 49 games.
The race for 2026 Rookie of The Year will likely come down to Flagg (and his former Duke teammate) Kon Knueppel.
NBACentral wrote: “NBA.com’s updated rookie ladder: 1. Kon Knueppel 2. Cooper Flagg 3. VJ Edgecombe 4. Derik Queen 5. Maxime Raynaud 6. Dylan Harper 7. Cedric Coward 8. Ace Bailey 9. Egor Dëmin 10. Jeremiah Fears / Collin Murray-Boyles”
1. Kon Knueppel 2. Cooper Flagg 3. VJ Edgecombe 4. Derik Queen 5. Maxime Raynaud 6. Dylan Harper 7. Cedric Coward 8. Ace Bailey 9. Egor Dëmin 10. Jeremiah Fears / Collin Murray-Boyles
The Mavs have a lot of veterans on their roster, but they are also in somewhat of a rebuilding mode.
They are the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 21-36 record in 57 games.
Following the Kings, the Mavs will play their next game on Friday night when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Mavs made the NBA Finals in 2024, but they are coming off a year where they lost to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies in the play-in tournament.
They last won a title in 2011 when Dirk Nowitzki was still on the roster.
Looking ahead to next year, it’s possible that the Mavs will be a contender with Kyrie Irving, another top draft selection (and Flagg).
In addition, they have other role players that are impressing this season.
Via @All_Things_Mavs: “The Mavs MUST bring Marvin Bagley back next season He has been extremely impressive in the six games he’s been in Dallas – 16 PTS, 12 REB, 4 BLK – 9 PTS, 8 REB – 7 PTS, 4 REB – 15 PTS, 13 REB – 12 PTS, 11 REB – 22 PTS, 5 REB All in limited minutes too”
He has been extremely impressive in the six games he’s been in Dallas
– 16 PTS, 12 REB, 4 BLK – 9 PTS, 8 REB – 7 PTS, 4 REB – 15 PTS, 13 REB – 12 PTS, 11 REB – 22 PTS, 5 REB
All in limited minutes too
As for the Kings, they come into Thursday’s showdown as the 15th seed in the Western Conference with a 13-46 record in 59 games.
They have gone 1-9 over their last ten games (and are 4-26 in 30 games on the road).
Before the Mavs, the Kings will play their next game on Wednesday when they visit Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in Texas.
The Kings last made the NBA playoffs during the 2022 season.
Dallas Mavericks Make Cooper Flagg Announcement Before Kings Game