Mavs Rookie Cooper Flagg Set for Emotional Showdown Against Former Duke Teammate Thursday

Dallas Mavericks fans, get ready — Cooper Flagg is back in action this Thursday night, suiting up to face the Charlotte Hornets. It’s not just any game; it’s a reunion of sorts, as Flagg squares off against his old Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, who’s been lighting it up for Charlotte with an impressive 18.6 points per game and sharpshooting beyond the arc. Both rookies are duking it out atop the scoring charts, making this matchup a must-watch for anyone who loves rising stars. After sitting out Dallas’s tough loss to Minnesota due to an ankle issue, Flagg’s return promises to inject some much-needed energy into the Mavericks’ lineup. Plus, the evening features the emotional honoring of former Mavs legend Mark Aguirre with a jersey retirement at halftime — a nod to the past amid these hopeful, exciting times. With Flagg leading the rookie class in scoring and showing signs of a franchise cornerstone, this game feels like a turning point, especially as the Mavs navigate a season full of unexpected challenges. Tonight’s tipoff at the American Airlines Center is shaping up to be a captivating blend of history, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of future glory. LEARN MORE

Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Cooper Flagg will return to the lineup Thursday night to face the Charlotte Hornets.

Flagg will return against a familiar face on the opposing side, with former Duke Blue Devil teammate Kon Knueppel (18.6 ppg on 42.1% 3-point shooting) starring for the Hornets. The former college teammates currently lead all rookies in scoring. The Mavs held out Flagg from Wednesday’s 118-105 loss to Minnesota due to an ankle injury.

Cooper Flagg will make his return to the Mavericks’ lineup tonight against Charlotte to face off with his former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, league sources say.

Flagg was held out of Dallas’ loss Wednesday night to Minnesota due to left ankle injury management. https://t.co/bnnVkKve7B

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 29, 2026

The Mavs will also honor former No. 1 overall pick Mark Aguirre with a jersey retirement ceremony during halftime. Aguirre spent the first 7.5 seasons of his 13-year NBA career in Dallas and was a three-time All-Star for the Mavs.

Flagg has been nothing short of stellar in his rookie campaign, leading all rookies in scoring at 18.8 points per game, while grabbing 6.4 rebounds and dishing out 4.1 assists. He’s appeared in 43 of Dallas’s 47 games thus far and started each one. His game has translated nicely in his first few months as a pro, and it looks like the Mavs have found their franchise player to build around for the future.

Despite Flagg’s contributions this season, it’s still been a rough one for Mavs fans. Veteran big man Anthony Davis hasn’t been able to stay on the court due to injury, leaving him open to swirling trade rumors, and point guard Kyrie Irving still has not returned from an ACL injury he suffered last March.

Nuggets Aaron Gordon reportedly will be reevaluated in 46 weeks after aggravating right hamstring strain

In the team’s first full season without Luka Dončić, the Mavs are 19-28 as we approach the All-Star break and are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference. They are 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the final play-in spot in the west.

Dallas and Charlotte tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday from the American Airlines Center in Dallas.