Mavericks' Cooper Flagg: Likely to play Thursday

Flagg (foot) is expected to play in Thursday's game in Orlando, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

The stage is set for the rookie No. 1 overall pick to end an eight-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain. In all likelihood, Flagg will replace Brandon Williams (quadriceps) in the starting lineup Thursday. Flagg was on a heater in his last six appearances before getting injured, averaging 32.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 35.7 minutes per tilt while shooting 52.6 percent from the field.