The Dallas Mavericks got a major pregame boost ahead of Monday night’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. Head coach Jason Kidd said rookie Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson are available, while Max Christie is out, per reporter Mike Curtis.
That matters because Flagg had been listed as questionable (back contusion) on the NBA’s official injury report earlier in the day, while Thompson was tagged probable (left knee soreness) and Christie was questionable (illness).
“He’s a tough kid,” Kidd told Curtis. “Whether he’s sore or playing a lot of minutes, he’s one that we’ve leaned on when he’s on the floor. To be able to play at the level he’s playing, it’s just shows being 19 and you can play the game at a high level.”
Mavericks vs. Pelicans: How to Watch, Start Time, TV Channel
Here’s the quick “how to watch” rundown for Mavericks vs. Pelicans:
- Game time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans)
- TV channel: Gulf Coast Sports Network and MyNetworkTV (per Fubo’s listing)
- Live stream: Fubo (free trial options vary)
Dallas-area viewers may also see local distribution listings (including KFAA-TV and Mavs.com) depending on market and availability.
What Jason Kidd’s Flagg/Thompson Update Means for Dallas
The headline for fans Googling “is Cooper Flagg playing tonight” is simple: Kidd says yes, and that’s huge for a Dallas team trying to stack wins during a rocky start.
Even before Kidd’s update, Flagg’s status had been one of the biggest swing factors in this matchup because of how much of Dallas’ frontcourt offense and late-game creation now runs through the No. 1 pick. Flagg’s been on the national radar already this month, including recent “historic start” attention from NBA.com coverage.
For Thompson, availability is just as important for spacing and lineup stability. The league injury report had him probable earlier Monday, and Kidd’s update pushes that closer to a full green light.
The immediate hit is Christie being out. If Dallas has to reshuffle wing minutes, that’s where the rotation pressure shows up, especially with multiple other Mavericks still listed out on the official report (including Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum).
Dallas’ injury situation is also why this Mavericks vs. Pelicans game is drawing extra pre-tip attention in search. With Irving still out and multiple rotation pieces sidelined, the Mavericks need their available scorers and shot-makers to stabilize the offense on the road. That’s where Klay Thompson’s status matters beyond the box score. If he’s moving well, New Orleans can’t load up as aggressively on Dallas’ primary creators. And for fans searching “Mavericks injury report” or “is Cooper Flagg playing” right before tip, Kidd’s update provides clarity: Flagg is available, which likely keeps Dallas’ usual frontcourt structure intact.
So far this season, Flagg is averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He’s shooting 48% from the field and 83% from the free throw line, and is currently the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year at most sports books.
The Stakes: Why Mavericks vs. Pelicans Matters Tonight
This game has real urgency for both teams in the West’s middle tier. Dallas entered the day 11-18, while New Orleans was 7-22 but riding a four-game win streak, setting up a “get-right vs. keep-it-going” feel at the Smoothie King Center.
Dallas is also coming off a 121-114 loss to Philadelphia, and the Flagg/Anthony Davis frontcourt still produced even in the loss, exactly why Flagg’s availability became the pregame storyline in the first place.
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