Kamal Ghorui
Cooper Flagg is set to play when the Dallas Mavericks take on the Houston Rockets on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The rookie forward is listed as available on the latest injury report and is expected to be in the starting lineup.He had missed time earlier this month due to ankle management, but that label has now been removed. Dallas will have its leading scorer back on the court for an important matchup.
Cooper Flagg’s injury report vs Houston Rockets (January 31, 2026)
The NBA’s latest report does not include Cooper Flagg under ankle injury management. The left ankle issue that kept him out against the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz has improved, and the team has cleared him to play.Coverage around the team has also indicated that Flagg is ready for his usual workload. That expectation follows his 49-point performance against Charlotte, where he led the offense from start to finish.
How the ankle injury happened
Cooper Flagg rolled his left ankle in the second quarter of a January 14 loss to Denver while defending Peyton Watson on a drive. He returned briefly but was ruled out at halftime.The Mavericks then held him out for two games as a precaution. Since coming back, he has played heavy minutes — 34 against the Los Angeles Lakers and 38 in the win over Charlotte, where he added 10 rebounds to his 49 points. His movement has looked normal, which is why the team is comfortable keeping him active against Houston.Quick-look: Flagg vs Rockets tonightDetail InfoPlayer Cooper Flagg, F, Dallas MavericksOpponent Houston RocketsDate January 31, 2026Injury status Available / not listed on latest reportRecent form 49 points, 10 rebounds vs CharlotteSeason averages ~19.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.1 APGWhat this game means for DallasThe game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and comes at a time when Dallas needs stability. Anthony Davis remains out long term, and the Mavericks enter the night on a three-game losing streak.Flagg, still only 19, has taken on a large role in the offense. He is averaging about 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season and has become a central part of the team’s game plan.Houston is likely to defend him with physical coverage, switches, and help defense. How he handles that pressure could shape the flow of the game.
