Getty
Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas Mavericks head to Indianapolis on Sunday carrying a weight that has been building for a month. Ten straight losses. A roster stripped down by injury and circumstance. A franchise navigating a difficult stretch while refusing to stop competing.
The second half of the season opened no differently. Dallas fell 122-111 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, extending the streak to ten games and pushing the last victory all the way back to January 22nd.
Sunday brings a road trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Indiana Pacers. The injury report ahead of that game adds another layer to the situation.
Flagg’s Status for Sunday’s Matchup
Cooper Flagg has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with a foot injury.
The absence stings. He sat out Friday’s loss in Minnesota as well. Flagg was averaging 20.4 points per game before going down, operating as Dallas’s primary offensive option and the central figure in whatever the Mavericks are building toward. It was reported that he would make a return after the All-Star Break. For now, that wait continues.
Flagg is not the only name on the report. Daniel Gafford carries a questionable designation with right ankle injury management. Max Christie is also questionable with an ankle issue. Caleb Martin is listed as probable with an ankle of his own but is trending toward playing.
What the Mavericks Need in Indiana
Khris Middleton has been the most consistent offensive contributor through the recent stretch, leading Dallas with 18 points in the Minnesota loss. In Flagg’s absence, he carries more responsibility than the role he was brought in to fill, and he has handled it with the professionalism of someone who has been in difficult situations before.
P.J. Washington struggled against the Wolves and will look to bounce back. He shot 5-of-17 from the field in Minnesota for 12 points. With usage climbing in Flagg’s absence, the efficiency has to follow. Dallas cannot afford another night where one of their primary options cannot find a rhythm.
Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson provide additional scoring depth. Thompson showed life late in Minnesota, pouring in 11 points in the fourth quarter and briefly bringing Dallas to within two before the Timberwolves held on. That kind of contribution needs to come earlier on Sunday.
Marvin Bagley contributed his second double double in four games for Dallas. He’ll look to continue rolling.
GettyDallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford drives the ball. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
What Indiana Brings on Sunday
The Pacers enter Sunday at 15-42, sitting last in the Eastern Conference and coming off back-to-back losses to the Washington Wizards.
Their injury list remains extensive, among the longest in the league. Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell are among the names listed questionable.
Siakam has been out since returning from the All-Star break, and his absence has exposed a defense that was already struggling to keep teams in check. The Pacers are a team searching for answers in a season that has gone sideways quickly.
Sunday is two struggling franchises meeting at a crossroads. Both need a win. One of them will get it.
Final Word for the Mavericks
Ten straight losses. A roster missing its most important player. A franchise that keeps showing up and finding ways to fall short in the final minutes.
Sunday offers a genuine opportunity. Indiana is shorthanded, struggling defensively, and coming off two losses of their own. The Pacers are not a team in form right now.
What Dallas has is Middleton, Washington, Thompson and 48 minutes to finally get one. The Pacers are there for the taking.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
More Heavy on Mavericks
Loading more stories