NBA Notes: Cavs, Max Strus, Suns, Devin Booker, Mavericks

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers remain in a holding pattern with Max Strus, but the expectation internally has not changed.

It has been more than six weeks since the team said Strus would undergo a follow-up evaluation on his surgically repaired left foot, with next steps to follow. There has been no official update since, and there are no outward signs a debut is imminent.

Still, coach Kenny Atkinson said Thursday he continues to anticipate Strus playing at some point this season, as we relayed earlier on Hoops Wire. The Cavs have been patient, careful, and quiet. That seemingly remains the plan. (Full story.)

Suns

The Suns had a scare Thursday night when Devin Booker exited early against San Antonio due to right hip soreness, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

Booker went to the locker room midway through the first quarter, attempted to return late in the second, then was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Injuries have piled up for Booker of late, as he missed eight of the final 10 games before the All-Star break with a right ankle sprain.

His status moving forward remains unclear.

Mavericks

Rookie forward Cooper Flagg will miss Friday’s game due to a left mid-foot sprain, but the Mavericks received some encouraging news.

Coach Jason Kidd said Flagg is out of his walking boot and was able to get some shots up Thursday. Kidd declined to put a timeline on a return, saying the team will take things day by day.

When asked if Flagg could return during Dallas’ three-game road trip, which wraps Tuesday in Brooklyn, Kidd did not rule it out.