Flagg cleared to return Friday after missing game due to illness

Cooper Flagg (illness) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Pelicans and will return to the hardwood. Flagg missed the first game of his brief NBA career Wednesday night after falling ill. The rookie forward is playing well of late, averaging 18.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks over his previous five appearances. Flagg signed a two-year, $28.34 million contract with the Mavericks in July 2025, which includes a $15.21 million team option for 2027-28. In his rookie 2025 season, he has averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks. Prior to the NBA, Flagg was the first freshman named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021, won 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, and 2024 National High School Player of the Year. In his lone collegiate season, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes across 37 games for Duke, earning ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC All-Defensive Team, and National College Player of the Year honors.