The Dallas Mavericks’ 2025-26 season has slid into turbulence as injuries to key pieces Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis continue to cloud the team’s outlook, forcing lineup adjustments and reshaping their competitive goals.

• Cooper Flagg exits with an ankle sprain: Star rookie and franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg exited Wednesday’s 118-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets early after rolling his ankle and was ruled out for the rest of the contest with a sprained left ankle. Flagg had been dealing with a lingering ankle issue and was slowed multiple times in recent games before Wednesday’s setback. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the team’s ongoing injury struggles, noting Flagg’s resilience but also the toll constant bumps and rolls have taken.
• Anthony Davis sidelined again: Veteran All-Star Anthony Davis will miss significant time after sustaining ligament damage in his left hand, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Initially there was talk of surgery, but the Mavericks announced he will not have surgery, and instead resting and rehabbing the injury – a process expected to keep him out around six weeks. Davis has already battled multiple injuries this season, including a calf strain and groin issues, and his availability has been limited.

The timing of these injuries has been especially difficult for Dallas. With key frontcourt rotation pieces sidelined --- including Flagg’s ankle and Davis’s ongoing absences – the Mavericks have struggled for continuity and consistent production.

Dallas has attempted to adapt in the short term, leaning on bench scoring and role players, but the loss of both Flagg and Davis simultaneously leaves a big hole on both ends of the floor. Flagg’s scoring, playmaking and defensive versatility have been central to the team’s identity, while Davis offers an elite rim presence and inside scoring when healthy.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Mavs face thorny decisions – whether to hold onto Davis and hope for a late-season push or explore potential trade scenarios that could reshape the roster around healthier, more consistent contributors.