Cooper Flagg Set for NBA Debut with Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS, Texas — Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is primed for his professional debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Flagg, a versatile forward from Duke, enters the season as a frontrunner for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, boasting odds at -170. With star player Kyrie Irving sidelined, expectations for the 18-year-old are soaring as he is anticipated to take on a significant scoring role for the Mavericks.

“I expect Flagg to come out aggressive as a scorer in his debut,” said NBA betting expert André Snellings. Given his 6-foot-9 size, he holds a significant advantage over the Spurs’ starting guards, who all stand 6 feet 5 inches or shorter.

During his single season with Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, earning accolades like the Wooden Award and establishing himself as a do-everything player. His all-around game positions him well as a secondary playmaker beside fellow rookie Davis.

Without Irving in the lineup, Flagg could potentially take on additional responsibilities, making his debut crucial for the Mavericks. Dallas is coming off a successful last season, reaching the NBA Finals, and hopes to maintain that momentum with Flagg’s integration into the squad.

“Flagg is going to start and play big minutes for the Mavericks,” said head coach Jason Kidd. “We’ll utilize his skills in multiple roles as he adjusts to the NBA pace.”

As betting lines evolve, Flagg is expected to contribute significantly in points and assists, complementing his already impressive stats. Experts point to his ability to adapt in a fast-paced game against a Spurs team that struggled with defensive efficiency last season.

The Mavericks aim for a balanced attack with Flagg leading the way, hoping to leverage his talents as they kick off their season.