Post–Nico Harrison Mavericks Host Suns as Rookie Cooper Flagg Steps Forward

Overview

• The matchup at American Airlines Center is Dallas’ first game since firing GM Nico Harrison following a 3–8 start and weeks of fan protests.
• Phoenix arrives on a three-game win streak with improved defense, including a top-three steals rate cited at 10.2 per game.
• Injury outlook: Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II are listed as questionable, Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are out, and Cooper Flagg is available despite a thumb sprain; Suns guard Jalen Green remains out with a hamstring strain.
• Dallas’ offense has struggled at the bottom of the league in points per game and three-point production, a key focus of the game previews.
• Flagg is coming off a 26-point night noted by the NBA as putting him alongside LeBron James among players to top 25 points before turning 19, and previews expect him to carry a larger role.