Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg was ruled out for the second half of Wednesday night's game against Denver due to a sprained left ankle.
The injury occurred during the first half when Flagg turned his ankle while defending Peyton Watson. After initially limping off the court, he returned for the final 2:35 of the half but did not emerge for the second half.
Flagg had previously injured the same ankle two nights prior, an incident from which he returned to lead the team with 27 points. Coach Jason Kidd stated that the decision was made to hold Flagg out for the remainder of the game. Kidd also mentioned uncertainty regarding Flagg's and center Daniel Gafford's availability for Thursday night's game against Utah; Gafford was ruled out against Denver with a right ankle sprain.
The Mavericks are currently facing multiple frontcourt injuries. Anthony Davis is expected to be sidelined for about six weeks due to ligament damage in his left hand, and Dereck Lively II is out for the season following foot surgery.
Flagg, a contender for Rookie of the Year, has played 40 games this season, averaging 18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.