Is Cooper Flagg playing tonight vs the Indiana Pacers? Latest update on the Dallas Mavericks star's injury report (February 22, 2026)

The Dallas Mavericks will be without Cooper Flagg for their game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team has ruled him out with a left midfoot sprain.This will be his third straight game missed. Dallas has taken a careful approach with the injury and is not rushing him back.Cooper Flagg has not played since February 10, when he got hurt in a loss to the Phoenix Suns. The same injury also kept him out of the Castrol Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend.The team has listed the same reason for each absence. There is no confirmed return date yet.With Flagg out, Dallas will rely more on Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones, and AJ Johnson. They are expected to handle most of the scoring and playmaking.The team has changed its roster this season. Luka Dončić is no longer part of the group, and the earlier Anthony Davis–Kyrie Irving setup did not last. The current roster is built around Flagg, with additions like Middleton, Jones, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley III.Cooper Flagg has been the team’s main player in his rookie year. He is averaging about 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, while shooting around 48 percent from the field.In the first game against Indiana this season, he had 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in a 107–105 win. • Backcourt: Tyus Jones, AJ Johnson, Caleb Martin, Max Christie, PJ Washington • Frontcourt: Cooper Flagg (injured), Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Dereck Lively II, Dwight PowellIndiana has its own injury concerns, including Pascal Siakam. Still, the Pacers play fast and have depth.Dallas will need Jones to manage the offense and limit mistakes. Middleton will take on a bigger scoring role. Bagley III and Dereck Lively II will be important in the paint and on rebounds.The Mavericks are expected to wait until Flagg is fully fit before bringing him back. A return later in February or early March is possible.Also read: Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 22, 2026)For this game, his status is clear. He will not play, and Dallas will have to manage without him.