Injuries & Player Updates

Cooper Flagg ruled out at Minnesota as Mavericks extend skid and monitor midfoot sprain

Cooper Flagg
February 2026

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg will miss Dallas’ first game after the All-Star break at Minnesota due to a left midfoot sprain, after also missing the Rising Stars event and the last game before the break. Jason Kidd said Flagg is day-to-day, with an MRI confirming the injury sustained at Phoenix on Feb. 10. Dallas carried a nine-game losing streak into the break, their longest since 1998, and Flagg has been seen managing the injury during the downtime.

Warriors eye Porzingis debut vs Celtics as Curry’s knee setback clouds return

Kristaps Porzingis
February 2026

Golden State expect Kristaps Porzingis to debut against Boston, but Stephen Curry may miss additional time after being unable to take part in a live scrimmage due to a knee issue, with another MRI possible. Kerr said Curry was “not where he needed to be” and the team would reassess after more treatment, potentially consulting Dr. Rick Celebrini and considering additional imaging. Porzingis, acquired at the deadline in a deal involving Kuminga, has managed illness and Achilles tendonitis and is averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17 games.

Ja Morant sidelined at least two more weeks; Caldwell-Pope set for finger surgery

Ja Morant
February 2026

Memphis said Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks while rehabbing a sprained UCL in his left elbow, with discomfort still present. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will have surgery on his right pinky, with a recovery timeline to follow. Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks after continued rehab. He has played 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. Memphis kept him through the deadline but moved Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah.

Kyrie Irving ACL tear ends season as Mavericks pivot to Cooper Flagg era

Kyrie Irving
February 2026

Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL and will miss the season, the first full-season absence of his 15-year career. Dallas is set to build around No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg with Irving expected to stay engaged as a mentor during rehab. The injury landed amid major roster upheaval after the Doncic trade, a brief and disrupted Davis stint, and a further pivot away from that move. Dallas plans to re-center the project on Flagg, with team leadership highlighting Irving’s influence and ongoing involvement while he recovers.

Zach LaVine Set for Season-Ending Hand Surgery After All-Star Break

Zach LaVine
February 2026

He will miss the remainder of the season because he needs surgery on his right hand, ending his campaign after appearing in 39 games and producing steady scoring on efficient overall shooting. The report indicates the procedure is scheduled following the mid-season pause, ruling out any late push. His availability will shift to off-season recovery planning, with the team needing to cover his minutes and shot creation for the stretch run.

Nikola Topić Makes Thunder NBA Debut After Cancer Treatment

Nikola Topić
February 2026

Topić logged his first NBA minutes and first points after missing extensive time due to a pre-draft knee injury and subsequent testicular cancer treatment. He was eased in off the bench, received a big ovation, scored on a mid-range jumper, and followed a recent G League appearance where he played limited minutes as he ramps back up.

Cooper Flagg Out With Midfoot Sprain, Withdraws From Rising Stars

Cooper Flagg
February 2026

Flagg has a left midfoot sprain confirmed by MRI and will not participate in the Rising Stars game or the Mavericks’ last game before the All-Star break. The injury occurred in a 120-111 loss at Phoenix where he scored 27. Dallas said updates will follow. He has been carrying Dallas’s offense during an eight-game losing streak, and the team resumes after the break on Friday, Feb. 20 at Minnesota.

Risacher Replaces Ajay Mitchell in 2026 Rising Stars

Zaccharie Risacher
Feburary 2026

Risacher replaces Mitchell on Team T-Mac for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars after Mitchell was ruled out with an abdominal strain. The league says Risacher is a second-year participant and is averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds this season. Team T-Mac is coached by McGrady, with other honorary coaches leading the remaining squads in the event at Intuit Dome.

Curry to Miss All-Star Game With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Stephen Curry
February 2026

Curry will sit out the All-Star Game in Los Angeles due to ongoing right knee trouble described as patellofemoral pain syndrome. Kerr says the plan is rest now and aim to return after the break if day-to-day progress holds. Curry left a game on Jan. 30 with the sore knee and later had an MRI, then missed multiple games. The update also notes Golden State is without Butler after ACL surgery, compounding availability issues heading into the post-break schedule.

Nikola Topić Returns in G League After Knee Rehab and Cancer Treatment

Nikola Topić
February 2026

Thunder prospect Topić made his G League debut, a major step after a serious knee ligament injury and subsequent testicular cancer diagnosis that required chemotherapy. He has barely played over the last two years. He logged 16 minutes with seven points and seven assists in an overtime win. Daigneault highlighted the mental and physical resilience required to return after rehab, then three rounds of chemo, and praised the milestone as a significant achievement.

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