Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg likely out at least two more games

The Cooper Flagg injury timeline is stretching a little longer.

The Mavericks rookie forward missed his sixth straight game Friday with a left midfoot sprain and is expected to be sidelined for at least two more, according to multiple reports. Coach Jason Kidd indicated it is unlikely Flagg plays Tuesday at Charlotte.

Dallas hosts Oklahoma City on Sunday before beginning a six-game trip that opens against the Hornets. That matchup would have featured Flagg against fellow rookie Kon Knueppel, his former Duke teammate and one of his primary challengers for Rookie of the Year.

The Mavericks initially believed Flagg would return shortly after the All-Star break. He has not played since Feb. 10, when he suffered the injury. An MRI confirmed the sprain.

There has been quiet league speculation about whether Dallas could shut Flagg down for the remainder of the season to protect his long-term health.

The organization has not addressed that publicly, and Kidd has given no indication that such a move is under consideration.

Flagg, 19, is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 49 games.