Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg will not return to Friday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, the team announced, citing “left shoulder soreness.”
Flagg went down in the second quarter after a hard foul from Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, who appeared to hit Flagg in the back of the head and caused the Mavericks forward to land awkwardly.
The incident sparked a heated argument between Nesmith and Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, with Nesmith having to be physically separated from the pack.
Nesmith was called for a flagrant foul after the contact, while both Nesmith and Marshall were given technical fouls for the fight.
Aaron Nesmith was called for a Flagrant 1 for this play on Cooper Flagg.
— ESPN (@espn) October 24, 2026
Double technicals were given to Nesmith and Naji Marshall after the play. pic.twitter.com/P0xLooKo9S
Flagg hit both of his free throws awarded after Nesmith’s flagrant, which occurred in the final minute of the half. However, he was subbed out and headed into the locker room before halftime, grabbing at his left shoulder.
Cooper Flagg has been holding his left shoulder often since the flagrant foul on his dunk attempt. He went to the Mavs locker room before halftime. pic.twitter.com/2B7mY2Rj5U
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) October 24, 2026
At the time he left, Flagg had racked up 14 points for the Mavericks in 17 minutes of play.
This story will be updated.