Latest Cooper Flagg Rumors Update Injury Return Timeline Ahead of Mavs vs. Kon Knueppel, Hornets

Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg reportedly won't be ready to return from his midfoot sprain in Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, but it sounds like he's getting closer to being back on the court.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is "some rising optimism in Dallas" that Flagg is nearing a return.

"Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has already announced that Flagg playing Tuesday in Charlotte in another Rookie of the Year showdown against the Hornets' Kon Knueppel is 'probably not' in play … but stay tuned," Stein explained. "A game that surely means as much to the Maine-raised Flagg — Dallas' lone visit of the season to Boston — is Friday night."

Flagg hasn't played since Feb. 10, missing the Mavs' last seven games. The team went 2-5 in his absence and ranks 12th in the Western Conference with a 21-39 record.

While Flagg leads all rookies with an average of 20.4 points per game while also adding 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals, he's faced competition from Knueppel in the Rookie of the Year race for the entire season, and his recent absence has allowed the Hornets' sharpshooting youngster to steal the headlines.

It took Knueppel just 59 games to break the NBA's rookie record for three-pointers in a season, hitting his 207th during a 28-point performance in a win over the Indiana Pacers this past week. He now leads the entire NBA with 211 three-pointers made this season.

Knueppel's presence has benefited the Hornets in a big way, as they rank 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 30-31 record and could have a chance to earn their first playoff spot since 2015-16.

Flagg's return is unlikely to push the Mavs into playoff contention, but the 2025 No. 1 pick could focus on finishing the season strong while he continues to develop his game. His eventual return would provide some much-needed positivity for Mavs fans who are hoping to end the year on a high note.